Burning 11/15/11

Burning

By
Thomas Bradshaw

All rights, including but not limited to professional, amateur, recording, motion picture,
recitation, lecturing, public reading, radio and television broadcasting, and the rights of
translation into foreign languages are expressly reserved. Permission for which must be
secured from the authors representative:

AO International
Antje Oegel
ph: 773 754 7628
aoegel@aoiagency.com

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Burning 11/15/11

Characters:
(A Boys Dream)

Chris, A 14 year old boy, wants to be an actor

Jack, 40 to 50, a fairly famous actor. Head of the drama program at the
performing arts high school in New York.

Simon, 40-50, Jacks partner, a broadway producer

Donald, 30, a playwright

Noah, 30-50, a director

Voice of Mother

The settings are San Francisco and New York City. The year is 1983.

(The Ashes)

Peter, black, American, a 33 year old artist.

Josephine, white, British, 33 years old, Peters wife.

Franklin, black, American, 19 years old, Peters cousin.

Michael, white, German, 24 years old, a neo-nazi.

Katrin, white, German, 16 years old, Michaels sister, a neo-nazi.

Heinz,white, German, 24 years old, a neo nazi.

Paul, white, British, 30 years old, a curator in Berlin.

Gretchen, Sudanese, 28 years old, a prostitute.

Funeral Director

Chris

The settings are New York City and Berlin, Germany. The Present.

Authors note: All characters should be played with the utmost honesty and
sincerity. The irony in the play should be underplayed rather than overplayed at all times.
The characters in this play feel that all their actions are completely necessary and
unavoidable. The play should be directed in a straightforward and realistic manner.

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Act One

Scene One
1983. At rise Chris is on the phone with Jack. Chris is in San Francisco and
Jack is in New York.

Jack
So, why do you want to leave San Francisco and study at the Performing
Arts High School in New York?

Chris
I want to be an actor more than anything in the world, and the theater scene
here is nothing compared to New York.

Jack
Do you see a lot of theater there?

Chris
Yes.

Jack
Whats your favorite play?

Chris
Well, I saw a production of American Buffalo that I loved, but my favorite
play is The Father by Strindberg.

Jack
What appeals to you about that play?

Chris
I love Strindbergs honesty. I love honesty in the theater. I love how
Strindberg illuminates this issue thats on everyones mind but that no one
talks about.

Jack
Which issue are you referring to?

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Chris
The fact that in their time, because they didnt have DNA tests, no man
could be sure that a child was his. He tapped into a fear that every man in
society had at that time. I mean, past societies were constructed around this
issue.

Jack
How do you mean?

Chris
Well, women really werent allowed to be alone with men before they were
married, and after they were married it would be scandal if a woman were
caught alone with another man.

Jack
I think that youre over generalizing a bit, because obviously every society is
different, but I see your point. Strindbergs work is very honest, and honesty
is the most important tool that you have.

Pause

Tell me something that youve never told anyone before.

Chris
Like what?

Jack
Tell me a secret.

Chris
Im gay.

Jack
Chuckles

Youll feel quite at home in the New York Theater world. Im gay too.

Chris
Really?

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Jack
Yup. I live with my boyfriend in Greenwich Village.

Chris
Thats rad.

Jack
How old are you again?

Chris
Ill be fourteen next month.

Jack
Tell me another secret.

Chris
My moms a drug addict.

Jack
You are indeed very honest.

Pause

Youll have to audition.

Chris
I know.

Jack
Where will you stay?

Chris
I have family in New York.

Jack
Very good. Ill see you in two weeks. It was great to talk to you.

Chris
It was great to talk to you too.

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They hang up the phone. Jack exits the stage.

Chris takes out a mirror with cocaine on it and does a line. His mother tries
to open his door but its locked.

Mother
Open the door Chris!

She bangs on the door

Open the god damn door!

I know what youre doing in there. Dont think I dont know.

If you could just give me a line or two that would be great. I ran out of
money, and I dont get paid for a couple of days, and I just need a couple of
lines to get me through.

Open this God Damn Door Chris! If you dont, youre grounded for a week!

Chris puts a little coke in a baggie, opens the door a crack, and hands it to
his mother.

Thank you Chris! I love you! I promise to give you some next week.

Chris
O.K. Mom.

He shuts the door, sits down, and does another line.

End Scene

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Act I Scene Two

1983. The Castro Section of San Francisco: At rise Chris is standing on a
street corner smoking a cigarette. After a few moments a man walks up to
Chris.

Man
Hi.

Chris
Hey.

Man
Do you want to go somewhere?

Chris
Sure. But I dont do this for free.

Man
Thats not a problem.

Chris
OK, Lets go.

They start walking.

End Scene

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Act I Scene Three

1983. New York City: At rise Jack is alone in his living room. Simon enters.

Simon
Hey Jack.

Jack
Whats up?

Simon
Donald is on his way over.

Jack
Right now?

Simon
Yeah.

Jack
Do you want me to leave?

Simon
No.

Jack
But you never want me in these meetings.

Simon
I think that Donalds play could be a great opportunity for you.

Jack
Reading through script

Theres a part for me?

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Simon
There are five fantastic male roles in the play. You see, five businessmen fly
down-

Jack
Stop right there. I dont want to be in another ensemble piece Simon. Five
businessmen?!! Five?? Why cant there just be one?

Pause

Simon
You know, thats actually brilliant. Getting him to reduce the cast size
would also significantly reduce the budget for the play. Its brilliant!
The doorbell rings. Simon opens the door.
Hi Donald!

Donald
Hi. I came over as soon as I got your message.

Simon
I really appreciate that. Have you met my roommate Jack Knowles?

Donald
No. I didnt know that your roommate was Jack Knowles.

Jack
Nice to meet you Donald.

Donald
Its an honor and a pleasure to meet you. I love your work. My favorite was
when you performed the role of Prospero on Broadway in The Tempest.

Jack
Im so glad that you saw that production.

Donald
Are you working on anything now?

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Jack
Im playing the role of Banquo in Shakespeare in the park. Im also the head
of drama at a very prestigious performing arts high school, and were about
to hold auditions, so Im keeping myself fairly busy.

Donald
That sounds great. Ive always wanted to teach. If you ever need someone to
teach playwriting-

Jack
Ill remember that.

Simon
So, I wanted to talk to you about your play.

They all sit

Donald
Youve read the latest draft?

Simon
Yes I have. And I have to be honest with you about the fact that I love it. I
mean, I really love it. I havent been this excited about producing a play in
many many years.

Donald
Im glad to hear it.

Simon
And Jack loves the play too. Thats why Ive asked him to sit in on this
conversation.

Jack
Its true. I love it. I absolutely love your play.

Donald
Well, this is fabulous. Do you have any notes?

Simon
Yes. We have one minor change that wed like you to make.

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Donald
Alright. What is it?

Simon
Well, you know how the businessman and his buddies go to Cambodia and
have sex with that six year old girl?

Donald
Yes, its terrible whats going on in these third world countries.

Jack
Atrocious.

Simon
Truly horrible.

Donald
What change would you like me to make?

Simon
That scene is truly powerful, how they rape the girl, one after another, for
twenty-five minutes, while she screams Mama, Mama, Help!

Jack
Its a moving scene.

Simon
But we think that the plotline would be stronger if instead of going to the
brothel and raping the girl, the businessman went to the brothel, paid for the
girl, then sped off to the airport, took the girl back to America, and adopted
her.

Donald
So, you want the businessmen to bring her back to America and adopt her so
that they can have sex with her whenever they want?

Jack
No! We want the businessman to rescue her from the clutches of sexual
slavery--

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Simon
--And take her into his home, and provide her with the perfect all American
life.
Donald
Oh. I see. Thats very different from the story I wrote. I mean, the entire plot
would have to change.
Simon
We think that a Broadway audience would find this plot far more uplifting.
Trust me, Ive been producing Broadway plays for a long time. If you make
this small change, youre going to have a hit on your hands.

Donald
You kept saying Businessman instead of Businessmen.

Simon
Oh yes, wed like you to keep it to one businessman instead of five. You
see, Reagans budget cuts have really affected arts funding, and paying four
extra actors for eight shows a week gets very expensive. Besides, your play
will be much stronger without those other characters.
Jack
Simon would never ask you to make a change that didnt serve the play.
Donald
So, youre asking me to write a one man show?

Jack
Its not a one man show. There will be a little girl also.
Donald
Huh.
Simon
Simon stands up
Well, Ive got a conference call in a couple of minutes.
Donald
Stands up
I really should be going. Ive got some writing to do.

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Jack
It was so nice to meet you.

Donald
It was nice to meet you too.

Simon
Id like the new draft by next Friday.

Donald
O.K.

Simon
Your plays going to be great!

Donald exits. Simon closes the door.

I think that went well.

Jack
Me too.

End Of Scene

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Act I Scene Four (Act 1 Scene Five)

1983. San Francisco: At rise Chris 2011. Lichtenberg, Germany
has just entered his moms apartment.

Chris
Mom? Mom? Are you home?

She doesnt answer

I have some good news. Katrin enters in wheelchair, reading her book.
She doesnt answer. He looks for her.

Chris opens a door and sees her lying on the

floor. The audience cant see her. He runs
into the room and checks her pulse.

Mom?

Michael enters and kisses Katrin on the

cheek very close to her lips.

Michael exits to the kitchen to get two beers.

Chris runs back onstage, picks up the
phone and dials 911.

I need an ambulance. My mothers not

breathing.

He hangs up the phone and runs back into

the room where his mother is.

End Scene

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Act I Scene Five

2011. Lichtenberg,Germany. Outside of East Berlin: Michael enters from
kitchen with two beers. Katrin is sitting in her wheelchair, reading.
Katrin
How was work?
Michael
Great.
Katrin
Great?
Michael
A show has been cancelled at the gallery, and Paul is going to consider
giving me the slot!
Katrin
Really!?
Michael
Yes! He said that my work is unique and captivating and that it deserves to be seen.
Katrin
Thats wonderful!
Michael
We cant get our hopes up though. Hes considering a few other painters for
the slot.
Katrin
German painters?
Michael
One is. Hes also considering two painters from America and one from London.
Katrin
Well, I hope he picks you.
Michael
Me too. Im going to try to finish some paintings this weekend in case I get
selected.
Katrin
Thats a great idea. Its always good to be prepared.

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Katrin goes back to her book.

Michael sits next to her and gently massages her legs.

Michael
What are you reading?

Katrin
Emily Dickinson.

Michael
Will you read a little to me?

Katrin
He continues to stretch and exercise her legs while she reads.

This ones called: My Life closed Twice Before Its Close

My life closed twice before its close;

It yet remains to see
If Immortality unveil
A third event to me,

So huge, so hopeless to conceive,

As these that twice befell.
Parting is all we know of heaven,
And all we need of hell.

Michael
Takes his sisters head in his hands and kisses her on the forehead. They are
silent for a moment.

I think your poetry is as good as hers.

Katrin
Laughing

No its not!

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Michael
Yes it is. It is! I swear.

Katrin
Thats very nice of you to say.

Michael
Have you picked out your dress for tomorrow?

Katrin
Will you pick one out for me?

Katrin continues reading. Michael exits into her bedroom and comes back
with a bright yellow dress.

Michael
I think you should wear this one.

Katrin
Is it too cheerful a color for a funeral?

Michael
They would want this to be a celebration.

Katrin
Yes, they would.

Michael
I think its perfect.

Michael prepares to dress Katrin in her chair. She removes her shirt, and
he lowers the dress over her head. Michael lifts Katrin out of the chair to
lower dress, then sits her back in chair.

Katrin
Im hungry.

Michael
Ill get dinner started in a moment.

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Katrin
What are we having?

Michael
Wienerschnitzel and potatoes.

Katrin
My favorite!

Michael
Yes.

Pause

Its been wonderful to have you home for the last month.

Katrin
It is good to be home.

Pause

Katrin
I love you Michael.

Michael
I love you too.

End Scene

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Act I Scene Six

Lichtenberg: At rise Michael is addressing the crowd that has gathered to
commemorate the death of his parents. His sister Katrin is beside him in her
wheel chair.

Michael
I thank all of you for being here today. You were all good friends and
compatriots of my parents, and have comforted my sister and I in our time of
sorrow.

Our parents died exactly one year ago, on this day. I made the decision to
bury them privately. My sister was in the hospital at the time recovering
from her injuries, and I wanted her to be here to celebrate their lives with us.
I am thankful to the almighty lord for sparing my sisters life. I will let my
sister Eulogize their memory.

Katrin
As I look around the room, it seems that every one of you paid me a visit at
one time or another during my eleven months in the hospital. Your presence
bolstered my spirits, and aided in my recovery. For that I thank you.

Though my parents are gone, I know that they are here with us in spirit.
They do not want us to sit around and cry. They want us to carry on their
legacy. My father would never allow me to cry. Whenever I would cry he
would slap me and say There is no time for crying when so much crucial
work is left undone. Then he would dry my tears, and take me for an ice
cream cone.

My father always told me to work hard and to never give up. I intend to do
just that. When I was a child my father would read to me each night before I
went to bed. He would always read a selection from our great leaders
masterwork. His favorite passage was:

The soil on which we now live was not a gift bestowed by heaven on our
forefathers. But they had to conquer it by risking their lives. So also in the
future our people will not obtain territory, and therewith the means of
existence, as a favour from any other people, but will have to win it by the
power of the triumphant sword.

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My Parents regularly recounted to me their happiest day. That day was

November 9th, 1989. Six years before I was born. We are proud East
Germans, but my father felt that Germany would not have the full support of
the almighty until the German nation became whole again. My parents, most
of you with them, celebrated for days after the fall of the Berlin wall.
Michael says that is one of his happiest childhood memories.

They smile at each other and Michael kisses her on the forehead

I love you mom and dad. And Im going to miss you. The almighty spared
my life to carry on your good work. I promise that Michael and I will never
disappoint you.

Heil Hitler!

Michael
Softly

Heil Hitler.

End Scene

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Act I Scene Seven

New York City: At rise Peter and Franklin are sitting on Peters couch.
Franklin is picking his teeth as they converse. This tooth picking annoys
Peter beyond imagining. Sometimes Peter can barely control his rage at this
behavior. Sometimes he has to look away because it bothers him so much.

Peter
Well, this is certainly a surprise.

Franklin
I know. My mom dying made me realize that we need to become more
connected as a family, you know.

Peter
Yeah.

Franklin
I mean, whens the last time that you and I hung out?

Peter
At Grandpas funeral last year.

Franklin
See! Thats exactly what Im talkin about! We only see each other at
weddings and funerals!

Peter
Lots of families are like that.

Peter lights a cigarette

Franklin
I didnt know you smoked.

Peter
I only smoke a couple of cigarettes a day.

Pause

So, what have you been up too?

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Franklin
I really want to join the marines, but they wont let me cause I dont have a
high school diploma.

Peter
Really? I thought they were accepting anyone with a pulse.

Franklin
Rules are rules.

Peter
Why not join the Army then?

Franklin
Cause my mom was a Marine.

Peter
What does that have to do with anything?

Franklin
I dont know. She died so suddenly. I feel like I should try to carry on her
legacy or something.

Peter
She was dishonorably discharged, you know.

Franklin
What!? She never told me that.

Peter
Of course she didnt tell you that. She wanted you to be proud of her.

Franklin
What was she discharged for?

Peter
Uh, well--

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Franklin
Cmon, Im nineteen, you can tell me.

Peter
Sexual misconduct.

Franklin is clearly disturbed.

Peter
I dont know all the details, but thats what happened.

Pause

So anyway, I assume theres something that you want to talk to me about.

Franklin
Yeah. Uh. My mom didnt have any money when she died. She was on welfare.

Peter
I know.

Franklin
Yeah, so uh, I need some money to bury her.

Peter
How much money do you need?

Franklin
Ten thousand dollars.

Peter
Ten thousand dollars! You dont need ten thousand dollars!

Franklin
Yes I do! I want to give her the same kind of funeral that grandpa had!

Peter
Grandpa had a life insurance policy.

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Franklin
Getting a bit emotional

I want to give her the kind of funeral that she deserves. Cmon Peter, youre
a successful artist. How much does one of your paintings cost?

Peter
Fifteen to twenty thousand dollars.

Franklin
She was your first cousin, man. Yall grew up together. Youre not going to-

Peter
Look. Sometimes I only sell one painting a year. Sometimes I sell ten.

Franklin
How many have you sold so far this year?

Peter
Im not giving you the money. Im still paying off my student loan debt, and
my wife and I are thinking about buying a house.

Franklin
Fine.

Peter
Look, Ill go to the funeral home with you to try to figure something out.

End Scene

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Act I Scene Eight

New York City: At rise Franklin and Peter are at the funeral home looking
at coffins with the funeral director. There are a few different coffins. Some
are very nice and elaborate and some are obviously cheap.
Funeral Director
Let me begin by saying that I am so sorry for your loss.
Franklin
Thank you.
Funeral Director
What was your mothers name again?
Franklin
Lucy.
Funeral Director
I knew your grandfather. Its a shame to lose your mother so soon after.
Franklin
Its hard.
Funeral Director
Lucys in heaven now holding Jesuss hand.
Peter
Yeah.
Funeral Director
To die in your sleep at 38 is a terrible, terrible thing. How old are you Peter?
Peter
Thirty-Three.
Funeral Director
Live your life to the fullest. You dont have one moment to waste. You
know, I had cancer five years ago, and it looked like I wasnt going to make
it. My wife went into the safe where I keep my will and my insurance
documents, and she was mighty upset to find that there wasnt any cash in
there. So, she came down to the hospital and expressed her concerns to me.
You see, she wanted to have some cash on hand so that she could buy a new
outfit and get her hair done if I died. She wanted to be dressed to the nines if
something happened to me.

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Peter
Why wouldnt she be able to just go to an ATM?

Funeral Director
I dont allow my wife to have access to our bank accounts. Shes not good
with money. So, I keep her on a strict allowance.

Peter
Maybe I should put my wife on an allowance.

Peter and Franklin laugh. The funeral director does not.

Funeral Director
Lets look at some coffins.

They go over to a coffin

Now, this one is made of mahogany and has a 24 carat gold plated trim. The
inside of the coffin is made of the finest satin so that your mother will be
comfortable in her eternal rest.

Franklin
I really like this one.

Funeral Director
This is the same coffin that we buried your grandfather in. Its the top of the
line.

Franklin
I think we should go with this one.

Peter
How much does it cost?

Funeral Director
This one is six thousand dollars.

Peter
Do you have anything cheaper?

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Funeral Director
He leads them to another coffin.
Now this coffin is made of solid cherry wood. It has 14 carat-

Peter
How much is it?

Funeral Director
Five thousand dollars.

Peter
Whats the cheapest coffin that you have?

Funeral Director
He leads them to a coffin thats pretty much made out of painted blue
cardboard.

This here is our least expensive coffin.

Peter
How much is it?

Funeral Director
Six hundred dollars.

Peter
This is really nice. This coffin looks really good, dont you think Franklin?

Franklin
I dont want my mother to be buried in this. I want her to go out in style like
grandpa.

Peter
How are we going to pay for that? Huh?

Funeral Director
Is there a life insurance policy?

Peter
No.

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Funeral Director
Oh, I see.
Peter
Well take this one. How much will the funeral cost if we buy this coffin?
Funeral Director
Around 4,000 dollars.
Peter
4,000 dollars!
Funeral Director
Yes. You have to pay for the space rental for the funeral, you also have to
pay for the organ player, minister to deliver the service, the limo, the hearse,
the gravestone, the-
Peter
How much does cremation cost?
Funeral Director
The cremation itself would cost about eight hundred dollars. The only other
cost is the Urn. They range from fifty to five hundred dollars.

Peter
Wow. That sounds pretty good. We can still have some kind of service if we
cremate her.
Franklin
Looks as if hes about to cry. I dont want to destroy her body.
Peter
Youre living in a fantasy. Ill pay for her to be cremated, but not anything else.
Funeral Director
You dont have to make a decision today. Why dont you go home and talk
this over. You should know that theres a $100 dollar a day fee for keeping
the body in storage.
Peter
Well make our decision this evening.

End Scene

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Act I Scene Nine

New York City: At rise Franklin, Peter, and Josephine are at Peter and
Josephines apartment.

Franklin
My mom was hospitalized for trying to commit suicide the week before she
died.

Josephine
Really? We had no idea.

Franklin
Yup. She took a bottle of pills. I found her on the couch.

Peter
Do you think that she committed suicide?

Franklin
I dont know. There was no evidence of that, but well see what the autopsy
says.

Peter
She was on a lot of prescription drugs.

Franklin
She had epilepsy.

Peter
No she didnt.

Franklin
Yes she did.

Peter
No she didnt.

Josephine
Peters right. At your grandfathers wake your mum fell on the ground and
acted like she was having an epileptic fit, and then Peters mum said Lucy,
get up off that floor! and she just got up.

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Franklin
Why didnt I see this?

Peter
We were in the parking lot. You were inside.

Franklin
Why would she pretend to have epilepsy?

Josephine
For the attention I think. Your mother was a bit of a drama queen.

Peter
And a drug addict.

Franklin
She was a drug addict.

Josephine
So, how did it go at the funeral home?

Peter
So, this is what Im thinking. We have Lucy cremated and have a service for
her in the rec room of her apartment building. There is a rec room in her
project, right?

Franklin
Yeah.

Josephine
That sounds like a great idea. We can blow up a picture of your mum, and
have an arrangement of flowers.

Peter
And we can have her urn on a stand so that people can pay their last
respects.

Josephine
And people can bring food. Itll be like a pot luck.

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Peter
I think that would be really nice.

Josephine
I think your mum would really like that. She was such a fun person. She
wouldnt want us sitting down crying and singing Amazing Grace. Shed
want us to have a party.

Franklin
Thats true. But do you think that your mom could give us some money so
that we can have a real funeral?

Peter
My mom can barely pay her mortgage.

Franklin
How about your dad?

Peter
My dads not giving money for his ex-wifes niece to be buried. Besides, my
father hated your mother.

Franklin
Alright. Well cremate her. But why cant we have the service at the funeral
home?

Peter
Werent you listening? Its too expensive.

Pause

I know that this is hard for you. But this is the way that things have to be.

Josephine
If she wanted a nice funeral, she should have gotten life insurance.

Peter
You can pick out whatever urn you want.

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Franklin
I want one of those necklace urns so that I can wear her ashes around my
neck.
Peter
Whatever you want.

Pause

Franklin
I heard youre going to Germany?

Peter
Howd you hear that?

Franklin
I saw that article about you in the Village Voice.

Peter
Yeah, I have a gallery opening there.

Franklin
To Josephine
Are you going?

Josephine
No. Unfortunately, I have to work.

Peter
I really wish that you could come.

Josephine
I know.

Franklin
Arent there a lot of neo-nazis in Germany?

Peter
Yeah, but Ill be in Berlin. Berlin is a pretty international city.

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Josephine
The media always makes everything seem like a much bigger deal than it is.
You cant let a few bad apples scare you off.

Franklin
I was reading this article in the New York Times about how an Arab woman
was assaulted by a neo-nazi while she was at the playground with her kid,
and she pressed charges and took the neo-nazi to court. When they got to
court the skinhead stabbed both the woman and her husband to death.

Peter
In the courtroom!

Franklin
Yup.

Josephine
Where did this happen?

Franklin
In Dresden I think.

Peter
Yeah, East Germany is nothing to fuck around with.

Franklin
And Berlin is surrounded by the east.

Peter
Thats true. Maybe I shouldnt go.

Josephine
Dont let one story scare you. Berlin is fine. Just dont travel outside of
Berlin.

Peter
Maybe I shouldnt go to East Berlin either. Shit. I better check where my
hotel is.

Peter takes out his iPhone and starts checking where his hotel is.

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Peter
How do you know all this? I mean, you didnt even graduate from high
school.

Franklin
I just dont like school. But I read a whole lot.

Peter
Youre smarter than I thought. You should just get your GED then go to
college. Shit! My hotel is in East Berlin and so is the gallery! Skinheads
scare the shit out of me. I once ran into some when I was in England.

Josephine
That was Kent. Ashford Kent is very conservative.

Peter
We were coming from a pub and walking through the town square, and there
were about twenty skinheads with pitbulls. I didnt know anything about
skinheads then. And they started screaming: Nigger! Dont you know that
youre on the white mans plate! Dont you know that Nigger?!
And my friend, who was white, says to me: Dont say anything. Just keep
walking. And I said: What do you think Im going to say.

Josephine
You cant judge major cities by what some ignorant hicks do in the middle
of nowhere. Ive been to Berlin. Its a very international city, just like New
York or London. Youre getting yourself worked up over nothing. But if
youre that concerned, maybe you should let the gallery there know that
youre black, just in case.

Franklin
The gallery doesnt know that youre black?

Peter
I dont want galleries to present my work because of affirmative action. I
dont want to be used to fill some minority quota, you know.

Franklin
But they eventually find out. I mean, theyre going to find out your black
when you show up for the opening.

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Peter
But its too late then! Gallery owners are often very surprised when I walk
through the door, but they never say anything about it. Its quite funny. I
never allow people to take photographs of me, and I dont allow anyone to
put anything about my race in press materials. And I have a white sounding
name, so people just assume that Im white.

Franklin
But a lot of your work actually deals with race.

Peter
Still, ninety-nine percent of painters are white. And racial issues are just a
part of the American landscape. Plenty of white artists deal with the subject
of race.

Blackout

End Scene

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Act I Scene Ten

1983. New York City: At rise Jack is holding auditions. He is sitting at a
table with his associate. Chris enters.

Jack
Hi Chris, its very good to finally meet you.

Chris
Its very good to meet you Mr. Knowles.

Jack
This is my associate.

Chris shakes their hands

So, did you fly to New York?

Chris
I took the bus.

Jack
Long bus ride.

Chris
Yup. It took four days.

Jack
Wow. Thats commitment. So, what have you prepared for us today?

Chris
Ive prepared a monologue from The Father.

Jack
Fantastic. You can begin whenever youre ready.

Chris
Chris begins the monologue. It is terrible. Chris is a terrible actor.

Yes, I know that well enough. But if I only had the handling of your
illustrious brains for awhile Id soon have you shut up, too! I am mad, but

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how did I become so? That doesnt concern you, and it doesnt concern
anyone. But you want to talk of something else now. (Chris pulls out a
photograph and looks at it) Good Lord, that is my child! Mine? We can
never know. Do you know what we would have to do to make sure? First,
one should marry to get the respect of society, then be divorced soon after
and become lovers, and finally adopt the children. Then one would at least
be sure that they were ones adopted children. Isnt that right? But how can
all that help us now? What can keep me now that you have taken my
conception of immortality from me, what use is science and philosophy to
me when I have nothing to live for, what can I do with life when I am
dishonored? I grafted my right arm, half my brain, half my marrow on
another trunk, for I believed they would knit themselves together and grow
into a more perfect tree, and then someone came with a knife and cut below
the graft, and now I am only half a tree-

Jack
Thats very good. I think weve heard enough.

Chris
You dont want me to finish?

Jack
No, that wont be necessary. It doesnt mean that youve done a poor job.
We very well may accept you based on what weve seen. Or not. You can
never know in the theater. Well be in touch.

Chris
Wait, I need to talk to you alone for a moment.

Jack
We really need to keep these auditions moving.

Chris
Please, just one moment.

Jack
Jack turns to his associate
Can you leave us alone for a moment?
He leaves the room.

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Chris
Im sorry to put you on the spot like this, but my mother overdosed last
week and died.

Jack
Oh. Im sorry to hear that.

Chris
I really really want to study with you more than anything in the world, and I
dont have anywhere to go now that my mothers gone.

Jack
Didnt you say that you had family in New York?

Chris
I lied.

Jack
I see.

Chris
Could I maybe stay with you for the night?

Jack
Uh, well-

Chris
Please?

End Scene

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Act I Scene Eleven

1983. New York City: At rise Jack has just come home from auditions.
Simon is there.

Simon
Hey honey.

Jack
Hi.

They kiss

Simon
How did auditions go?

Jack
Pretty good.

Simon
Thats great. Hey- Donald sent me the new draft of the play.

Jack
Oh yeah? How is it?

Simon
Hes done a great job.

Jack
So, its a two person show now?

Simon
Even better! Its a one man show now! Now he just describes how he and his
buddies go to Cambodia and save this little girl, and in this version the little
girl grows up to win the Miss America Pageant! She becomes Miss
America! Its a very uplifting and American story. It shows how no matter
what circumstances youre born into, anywhere in the world, all you have to
do is come to America and youll lead the perfect life.

Jack
Wow! That sounds great!

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Simon
And guess who he wants to play the lead in his one man show?

Jack
Youre kidding?!

Simon
He requested that the Great Jack Knowles be in his play. So what do you
think?

Jack
I think Im going to have to read the script! I havent been on Broadway in
three years.

Simon
So, can I tell him yes?

Jack
You can tentatively tell him yes.

Simon
Great! Ill call him right now!

He goes for the phone

Jack
Wait. I have to talk to you about something.

End Scene

42-43
Burning 11/15/11

Act I Scene Twelve

1983. New York City: At rise Chris, Simon, and Jack are sitting on the couch
and talking after dinner.

Simon
You dont have any relatives!?

Chris
None.

Jack
How about your father?

Chris
I never met him. He died when I was three years old.

Simon
Poor kid.

Jack
How about your mothers siblings?

Chris
She was an only child.

Simon
Wow. You really dont have any relatives.

Pause. Chris looks as if he really wants to say something.

Jack
What? What is it Chris?

Chris
I lied. My father didnt die when I was three years old. He lives in England
with his wife and my half sister.

Jack
What kind of relationship do you have with your father?

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Chris
Ive only met him once. When I was 9 years old he came to visit with my
half- sister. They only stayed in San Francisco for three days. On the third
day he and my mother got in a huge fight and he went back to England.

I really wanted my mother to buy me all of the Star Wars action figures but
she said that they were too expensive. Before my dad left he said that he
would buy them for me and ship them from England, but he never did. I
waited for his package every day for a year.

Jack
Is that the truth Chris?

Chris
Yes.

Jack
The whole truth?

Chris
I swear.

Simon
Do you think that your dad would uh, you know, take you in?

Chris
I dont think so. He doesnt seem to be very interested in me.

Simon
Maybe we could call him and see.

Chris
I dont have his number.

Jack
Well call international 411. Whats his name?

Chris
Byron Danforth.

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Jack
Jack picks up the phone and dials 411

Hi. I need the number of someone in London.

His name is Byron Danforth.

Jack writes down a number

Thank you.

To Simon

Should I call him now?

Simon
Why not?

He dials the number on Speakerphone

Hello? Is this Byron Danforth?

We hear the voice of Chriss father over a loudspeaker

Byron
Who the fuck is calling me at two o clock in the morning?

Jack
Oh, Im so sorry to be calling so late. Im calling from America you see, and
I didnt consider the time difference before I called.

Byron
Well, what the fuck do you want? Ive got to get up for work in four hours.
Bloody hell.

Jack
My name is Jack Knowles. Maybe youve heard of me, Im a fairly famous
actor.

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Byron
Sorry. Never heard of you.

Jack
I played Prospero in the Tempest at The National Theater six years ago. I got
nominated for an Oliver Award for best actor.

Byron
Never heard of you. I dont go to the theater. Have you been in any movies
that I might have seen?

Jack
Sorry. This is off topic. I currently have your son Christopher in my
custody. His mother died suddenly of a drug overdose-

Byron
Good for her. She was a miserable bitch.

Jack
Uh. Yeah. So-

Byron
And how did he get in your custody?

Jack
Im the head of The Performing Arts high school in New York and uh, Chris
has applied, we havent accepted him yet, and uh, he informed me about his
situation, uh, during his audition, so my roommate and I let him come stay at
our place.

Byron
Im glad that Chris has some direction in life.

Jack
Would you be interested in having Chris come live with you?

Byron
That doesnt sound like a very good idea. My daughter, wife, and I live in a
very small flat in London. Even if I wanted to take him in there wouldnt be
room. Besides, I wouldnt want to prevent him from fulfilling his dream of

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going to the performing arts high school. Its a terrible thing to destroy a
boys dream.

Jack
He hasnt even been accepted yet.

Byron
Well, have some pity on the poor boy. His mother just died for Christs sake.

Jack
Do you want to talk to Chris?

Byron
No. I really do have to get up in the morning. Good night.

Byron hangs up the phone. We hear a dial tone. Jack hangs up the phone.

Simon
Wow. That guys a real asshole.

Jack
Jesus Christ.

Simon
Im sorry that your dad is such a jerk, but were going to take good care of
you.

Chris looks teary eyed. Simon gives him a hug.

Everythings going to be all right kid.

Jack
Was there a funeral for your mother?

Chris
Not that I know of.

Simon
What do you mean?

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Chris
They took her body to the morgue and thats all I know. The police and
morgue kept calling my house, but I never called them back.
Jack
Why didnt you call them?

Chris
I was afraid that they would put me in a foster home. I just wanted to come
to New York to be an actor.

Simon
Your mother needs a proper burial.
Chris
I guess.
Jack
Trust me Chris, if your mother doesnt have a proper burial youll regret it
later on.

Simon
You will. Well take care of that for you.

Chris
Wont that be expensive?

Jack
As you mature youll learn that theres right, and then theres wrong. This is
the right thing to do.

Simon
Have you ever heard of Karma, Chris?
Chris
No.
Simon
Its pretty much like the golden rule. If you put good energy into the world,
then good things will happen to you, and if you put bad energy out into the
world then bad things will happen.

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Jack
Simon is simplifying it, but thats the basic idea.

Chris
Thanks. So, youll let me live with you?

Simon
We will. But youll have to help out around the house in return.

Chris
I can do that.

Jack
Do you know how to wash dishes?

End Of Scene

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Act I Scene Thirteen

1983. New York City: At rise it is the night of a party at Jack and Simons.
Chris is wearing a butlers uniform and brings out hors doeuvres and refills
their drinks. Simon, Jack, Donald, and Noah are there.

Noah
This bitch was so old that she couldnt remember her lines. But she was
really, really famous, so we didnt want to lose her, and we tried everything!
I mean everything! We eventually had an earpiece placed in her ear and her
lines were fed into it!

Everyone laughs

Jack
Did it work?

Noah
No! She even messed that up. Neil Simon eventually got so fed up that I had
to fire her!

Donald
Thats crazy.

Noah
Yeah, Neil doesnt mess around.

Donald
Do you think that you could get Neil Simon to come see my play?

Noah
If hes in town hell definitely come see it.

Simon
Yeah, with the changes youve made, I think its something that Neil would
be interested in. Dont you think Jack?

Jack
Certainly.

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Simon
So Noah, have you thought about how youre going to direct Donalds play?

Noah
I have.

Jack
We cant wait to hear.

Noah
I was thinking that the play could take place in a huge fish tank. Do you
think that we could build a fish tank that is twenty feet high and twenty feet
wide?

Simon
Sure.

Noah
How much water do you think it would take to fill?

Jack
At least a thousand gallons.

Donald
Youre thinking about having him perform under water?

Noah
Absolutely.

Jack
How will I breath?

Noah
Your costume will be scuba diving gear and oxygen tanks, and well have a
Space helmet over your head, and wed have a microphone in the head
piece.

Jack
Its very unorthodox but I like it. I really, really like it.

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Simon
This is going to be ridiculously expensive. You know youre ruining the
profit margin that I created by getting rid of the other four actors who were
going to be in the show.

Noah
This is what happens when you hire the best!

They all laugh except Donald

Donald
But wait. How does a fish tank have anything to do with my play? I
specifically said that the play should take place on a bare stage.

Noah
The play seems almost like a dream to me. It seems like a surrealist
monologue. I think that having the play take place in a fish tank will really
crystallize this dream like element.

Donald
Getting really worked up

But I dont intend the play to be a dream! And putting the play in a fish tank
will ruin everything! Everything! It doesnt make any sense!

Noah
Im just joking Donald!

Everyone laughs hysterically except Donald.

Donald
You all knew he was joking?

Simon
Of course!

Jack
Thats such a retarded idea!

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Simon
Even if it was a good idea, I would never pay for that!

The laughing subsides

Noah
But seriously, one man plays are really boring, and we have to do everything
we can to prevent the audience from falling asleep. So, Im thinking about
having Jack perform the entire play in the nude.

Simon
That is a great idea. Every gay man in New York will buy a ticket to see
that.

Noah
Thats true. But thats not why I want to do it. The character in your play is
so emotionally vulnerable. Hes so emotionally stripped and raw that I think
that him being nude will most effectively project the visceral pain that he
feels.

Donald
Nodding his head

Yes, that makes sense. I like that. I really really like that. And it would be
performed on a completely bare stage?

Noah
Absolutely bare.

Donald
Thats a great idea. Im sorry that I doubted you before.

Noah
But seriously, why did you write a one man show? Theyre so boring!

Donald
Simon and Jack made me!

Simon
We did not make you! It was just a suggestion.

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Donald
Was not!

Simon
Was too!

Donald
Was not!

Simon
Was too!

Jack
Theres no need to fight boys. Whats done is done.

To Chris

I think that everyone could use some more Champagne.

Chris pours everyone some more champagne. After he is finished Jack says-

Why dont you take a break, Chris.

Chris
Thanks.

Jack
What do you like to drink?

Chris
Vodka.

Jack
Pour yourself some Vodka and come join us.

Chris
Thanks.

Chris pours some Vodka and joins them after hes done.

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Simon
Chris has applied to the performing arts high school and is staying with us
for awhile.

Noah
Oh.

Jack
His mother died suddenly so we decided to take him in.

Donald
Interesting. I just figured that you hired him for the party.

Noah
Im sorry to hear about your mom Chris.

Chris
Its o.k.

Donald
So, you want to be an actor?

Chris
Yeah. I really hope that Jack lets me into the Performing
Arts High School.

Jack
There are others on the admissions committee besides me.

Chris
That other guy who was in the room?

Jack
Thats right.

Simon
Were going out to San Francisco tomorrow to bury Chriss mother.

Noah
Is that right? You know Chris, you could be my assistant director on Donalds play.

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Donald
And I have a play opening in New York next year that requires a fourteen
year old boy. Ill arrange an audition.

Chris
Ill do anything!

Chris pours himself another drink and downs it.

Simon
You might want to pace yourself Chris.
Chris
Dont worry. I can handle it. I write plays too!
Donald
Really?
Chris
Yeah.
Noah
Tell us the plot of one of your plays.
Chris
Well, I have a play about a gay teenager who prostitutes himself to make money.
Donald
Very interesting.
Chris
To Noah

Do you think Neil Simon would be interested in my play?

Noah
Uh. Maybe. Id have to read it first.
Chris
If you like it, will you give it to Neil Simon?
Noah laughs uncomfortably

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Noah
Well see about that.
Chris
I have to go to the bathroom.
Chris exits
Simon
What are you doing offering to let him be your assistant director?!

Noah
I dont know. I was just talking. I wasnt really being serious.

Simon
Thats the kind of thing you say when youre just talking?

Noah
Yeah, small talk, you know.

Simon
Youre a fucking idiot.

Chris re-enters. He pours himself another cup of Vodka and downs it.

Chris
Does anyone know where I can get some coke?

Jack
I think its Chriss bedtime.

Simon
Yes, I believe Chris has maybe had a little too much to drink.

Chris
I havent had too much to drink. Im fine.

Simon and Jack get up and gently take a hold of Chris

Jack
You can wash the dishes and clean the house tomorrow morning.

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Chris
O.K.

Simon and Jack escort Chris offstage.

Donald
I really like that kid.

Noah
Me too. Hes got spunk.

Donald
Reminds me of myself when I was younger.

Blackout

End Of Scene

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Act I Scene Fourteen

Lichtenberg: At rise Michael walks through his front door covered in blood. His
16 year old sister Katrin is reading a book. She looks up and sees Michael.

Katrin
What happened?

Michael
Another idiot started calling me names on the street.
Katrin
What did he say?
Michael
The usual. He said that I make all Germans look bad, blah blah blah.
Katrin
And what did you say?
Michael
I told him that people like him claim to be tolerant, but that theyre
completely intolerant of people who have different views than them. Then
he said that it was my intolerance of Africans, Arabs, and Jews that made
him intolerant of me, so I chased him down and bashed his face in.

Katrin
Why do you have to go around dressed like that? I really wish you wouldnt.

Michael
I have to stand up for what we believe in.

Katrin
Wearing different clothes doesnt compromise our beliefs. What would I do
without you? Have you ever thought about that? Someone might just put a
knife in your back, and then Ill have no one.
I want a pure German society just as much as you do, but I think we need to
go undercover a bit in order to achieve our goals.

Michael
What do you want me to wear?

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Katrin
Wear what you wear when you go to work at The Gallery.

Michael
Pause

Yes. Ill think about it.

Katrin
Thank you.

They hug.

Michael
What are you reading?

Katrin
Im reading Goethe.

Michael
Our great German writer. Im glad that theyre not making you read that Jew
Kafkas work anymore.

Katrin
My eyes are tired. Will you read to me for a little bit?

Michael
Sure.

He takes the book from her and reads:

I think of you,
When I see the suns shimmer
Gleaming from the sea.
I think of you,
When the moons glimmer
Is reflected in the springs.

I see you,
When on the distant road

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The dust rises,

In deep night,
When on the narrow bridge
The traveler trembles.

I hear you,
When with a dull roar
The wave surges.
In the quiet grove I often go to listen
When all is silent.

I am with you,
However far away you may be,
You are next to me!
The sun is setting,
Soon the stars will shine upon me.
If only you were here!

Katrin
Thats beautiful. It reminds me of mama and papa. I like to think that theyre
here with us.

Michael
They are. I think they are.

Katrin
Do you smell that?

Michael
What?

Katrin
I think the rubbish in the kitchen needs to be taken out.

Michael goes into the kitchen, takes the garbage out of the bin and ties it up,
replaces the bag then goes to sit back down.

Arent you going to throw it down the chute?

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Michael leaves the apartment and throws the garbage away. He meets his
friend Heinz at the door. He is dressed the same as Michael. Heinz salutes.

Heinz
Heil Hitler!

Michael
Salutes
Heil Hitler!

Heinz
Did you see the game on Saturday?

Michael
Oh, I missed it.

Heinz
Germany won!

Michael
Of course Germany won!
Heinz
Good day Katrin.

Katrin
Good day.

Heinz
Notices the blood on Michael.

What happened?

Michael
Some Jew starting telling me that I should leave Germany, so I bashed his
face in.

Heinz
Thats been happening to me too. Everywhere I go people taunt me and call
me names. But Michael, we cant go around beating up everyone who
provokes us. It hurts the cause.

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Katrin
Thats what I told him.

Michael
Katrin had a good idea.

Heinz
Whats that?

Michael
She thinks that we should go undercover.

Heinz
How?

Katrin
Stop wearing the uniform.

Heinz
No way!

Katrin
Clothes are just clothes. Wed be much more effective if we fit in.

Heinz
What do you suggest?

Michael
We grow our hair, and just dress like normal people. Then when we want to
we can just grab a dirty immigrant and do what we want with him. Think
about it. Right now, people run in the other direction when they see us. And
after weve bloodied some monkey up, the police know exactly who to look
for. We would be able to infiltrate without suspicion.

Heinz
That plan is actually genius. But its going to take a while to grow out our hair.

Michael
For now, wearing civilian clothes is good enough. There are plenty of
civilians with shaved heads.

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Heinz
I dont have money to buy new clothes.

Michael
You can have some of my fathers. You and he are about the same size.

Heinz
Pause

Im constipated.

Michael
You need to eat some fiber.

Heinz
Fiber?

Katrin
Youre kidding, right?

Heinz
No, whats fiber?

Katrin starts laughing

Michael
Its what makes you shit. Most vegetables have fiber. Spinach, broccoli,
brussels sprouts. But whole grains are also a good source of fiber. I eat two
bowls of bran cereal every day to make sure I never have trouble shitting.

Heinz
You put that much thought into it?

Katrin
Its all I think about.

Michael
I practically plan my life around it. My uncle didnt shit for five days and he
had to have surgery. Whens the last time you took a shit?

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Heinz
Two days ago.

Michael
You should take some ex-lax.

Heinz farts and Michael and Katrin smell it.

Oh lord thats a nasty fart. Are you sure that you didnt shit yourself?

Heinz
Laughing

Sorry.

Katrin
You should go to the bathroom! No actually, Im going to go to the
bathroom. I dont want to get constipated like you. Will you help me
Michael?

Michael wheels Katrin offstage. Heinz picks his nose while their gone.
Michael re-enters after about a minute.

Michael
Im lonely.

Heinz
What do you mean?

Michael
I have to spend all my time taking care of Katrin. I go to work, then go
home, go to work, then come home. I cant just hang out at the pub and meet
girls, you know.

Heinz
Katrin isnt an invalid. She can take care of herself.

Michael
She cant really take care of herself. And I dont like for her to be alone. She
cant cook for herself because she cant reach the stove top. She cant bath

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herself, so I have to give her a bath every evening. And shes stuck at home
unless I take her somewhere. I dont want her to be lonely. I hate to be
lonely. But Im getting pent up.

Heinz
Whens the last time you were with a girl?

Michael
About a year ago, right before the accident.

Heinz
Weve got to get you laid or else youre going to explode.

Michael
Sometimes I do explode in my sleep!

They laugh

Heinz
You know, I havent dated anyone since Irma dumped me last year.

Michael
But youve had sex with girls since then.

Heinz
No, I havent. Ive kissed a couple of girls at the pub. Thats it.

Michael
Why? Youre usually very good with women.

Heinz
Im still in love with Irma. When Im with a girl now, an overwhelming
sense of loneliness overtakes me, and my lust, I dont know, it dissipates.
Im also having trouble ejaculating when I masturbate. Images of Irma keep
coming into my mind and I try to push them out, and then I lose my erection
because Im working so hard to not think of her. But then Ill eventually give
in and just let myself fantasize about how things used to be with her, and
then I have no problem ejaculating.

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Michael
I think you might need some help. One of our close family friends is a
psychologist.

Heinz
Maybe I need to find Irma and get back together with her.

Michael
How many times did she cheat on you?

Heinz
Thats not the point.

Michael
Yes, it is. She wasnt good to you. Then she fucked some train conductor
and left you for him.

Im going to call the psychologist and make an appointment for you.

Katrin
Offstage
Im finished. Can you come get me?

Michael
That was quick.

Katrin
Offstage
Its because of all the fiber!

Heinz
Thank you Michael.

Michael
No, thank you.

They hug. Michael goes offstage to retrieve Katrin.

End Scene

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Act I Scene Fifteen

New York City: At rise Josephine, Peter, and Franklin are at the service for
Franklins mother. There is a blown up photograph of her, some flowers,
and the urn. There is also a cake.

Franklin
This is really strange. I went around to collect donations from all the people
in her building and they all said they were coming. And that they would
bring food.

Peter
How much money did you collect?

Franklin
I collected about twenty-Five dollars.

Peter
Huh.

Franklin
Were in the projects Peter. Everyones really poor. They gave what they
could.

Josephine
Im sure they did.

Franklin
Everyone loved my mother. Everyone. Everyone who came into contact
with her instantly loved her.
Silence
Wheres your mom?

Peter
Shes always late. I know that shes bringing over a bunch of food.

Franklin
Whats she bringing?
Peter
A ham and some macaroni and cheese.

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Franklin
I love me some ham and mac and cheese.
Peter
You would.
Josephine
I guess shell have to take it back with her.

Peter
This cake is really good. Where did you get it?
Josephine
Magnolia.
Franklin
This is fantastic.
Josephine
They have great cupcakes too.

Peter
I guess we should just start since no ones here.

Franklin
Is done eating his cake. Hes picking his teeth.
Shouldnt we at least wait for your mom?

Peter
She should learn to get places on time. My flights tonight. I cant stand
around here all day.
Pause. Looks at Franklin. Hes enraged by Franklins tooth picking.
Will you stop doing that?
Franklin
What?

Peter
Take your fucking finger out of your mouth.

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Franklin
What?

Peter
Its disgusting to pick your teeth in public.

Franklin
I cant help it.

Peter
Yes you can! Your mother used to do it too. Fucking disgusting.

Josephine
Peter!

Peter
Im sorry. Im sorry.

Franklin
Stops picking his teeth

Its o.k.

Josephine
Peter is, well, hes a little bit crazy you see. He hates it when people pick
their teeth, belch, or dont wipe their hand off with a napkin after theyve
been eating. So, youll have to excuse him.

Franklin
Its fine.

Josephine
If I dont use a napkin after Ive eaten a chip or something, hell chase me
down and make sure I wipe my hands!

Peter
Im just being sanitary. Do people pick their teeth in England?

Josephine
Some people do.

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Peter
But, do most people pick their teeth in public?

Josephine
I guess not.

Peter
To Franklin. Franklin is picking his teeth again.

You know why they dont?

Franklin
Why?

Peter
Practically yelling

Cause theyre civilized!!!

Josephine
O.K. Thats enough Peter. Lets start. Do you want to say something about
your mum Franklin?

Franklin
Stands up next to the urn and speaks

Im gonna miss you mom. You had me when you were sixteen years old,
and didnt know how to care for a child, so you gave me to grandma and
grandpa so that I would be raised properly. I forgive you for giving me up
and I thank you. I wish that we could have spent more time together, but I
know deep in my heart that this was for the best. I love you mom. I wish that
you had lived longer, so that I could have gotten to know you better.

He kisses the urn, then sits down.

Josephine
That was beautiful Franklin. Do you want to say something Peter?

Peter
Yeah.

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Lucy, weve barely spoken over the last ten years. You lived in the projects
and I felt that you were a bit insane, so I stayed as far away from you as I
could. I would only see you when I absolutely had to. I prevented you from
being invited to my wedding. And I tried to prevent my mother from
bringing you to my openings, but she would bring you anyway, and I would
try to avoid talking to you or giving you a hug. But you would persist and
give me a big hug anyway. You were so proud of my accomplishments even
though I did my best to disown you. Im sorry for doing those things. I really
believed that there would be time to rectify things someday. Now I see that
time is not something to be taken for granted.

You were my older cousin. I remember the years when you lived in the
carriage house on our property with grandma and grandpa, after your mother
died of cancer. Those were amazing years. Everything seemed so perfect. I
remember how you would pretend to turn into a monster and chase me all
around the property. I really believed that you were turning into a monster.
Every time. And it scared me to death.

I also remember how you tried to stab my mother with a knife in the kitchen.
And how Grandpa made you get an abortion when you got pregnant at 15.
But you persevered and got pregnant again the next year, and had Franklin. I
also remember how you used to use me as an excuse to have sex with your
boyfriends. You would say that you were taking me to the store for some
candy or ice cream. And you would have sex with your boyfriends and you
would leave me alone somewhere in their house. You would tell me to stand
guard and to let you know if someone came home. And I did. But one time I
got bored and knocked on the door of the room you were in and you didnt
answer, but I could hear grunting and the springs of the bed creaking
incessantly and I opened the door. He was on top of you, pounding into you.
You were wearing a plaid skirt and you said, out of breath:

Go back downstairs, well be done in a minute, well make you some eggs.

And I closed the door. My nostrils were filled with the smell of sex. It was
musky, and I got an erection, but I didnt know what that was then.

When you were done you and your boyfriend came down in bathrobes and
made me some eggs, and we ate together.

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I guess I love you, Lucy. Im not entirely sure. But I think that I would have
treated you differently if I had known that you were going to die so young.

Josephine
That was beautiful Peter.

Peter
It was the truth. Are you going to say anything?

Josephine
I dont think so. No.

Peter
You want to say anything else Franklin?

Franklin
No.

Peter
Ive got to catch my flight. Ill call my mom and tell her not to bother
coming.
Peter picks up his phone and dials. Waits for mother to pick up.
Where are you?
Well, dont bother coming. Were finished.
No you shouldnt still bring the food. No one showed up.
Ill see you when I get back from Germany.
Peter hangs up the phone
Older Chris enters
Older Chris
Hi guys.
Peter
Youre late. Were wrapping up here.

Josephine gives Chris a hug

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Peter
Theyre going to make you an honorary black person if you keep showing
up to places this late.

Josephine
Stop it Peter. Franklin, have you ever met my brother Chris?

Franklin
I dont think so.

Josephine
Hes my half -brother really. We have different mums.
To Chris
Franklin is Peters younger cousin. Its his mums funeral.

Older Chris
Nice to meet you Franklin. Im sorry for your loss.

Pause

My mom died when I was teenager too, so I understand what youre going
through.

Franklin
Howd your mom die?

Older Chris
Drug overdose.

Franklin
Mine too! I found my mom dead in her bed.

Older Chris
I found my mother dead on our living room floor.

Peter
This is a lovely trip down memory lane, but Ive really got to catch my
flight.

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Older Chris
To Franklin

Give me a call if you want to hang out or something. I know its hard.

Franklin
Id like that.

Josephine
Why dont you sing something Chris?

Older Chris looks at Josephine

For Franklins mum.

Older Chris
I dont think so. I never even met her. But Im glad you invited me.

Josephine
Oh, come on, you have such a beautiful voice.

Franklin
Yeah, come on, sing something.

Older Chris
Alright.
A German Aria might be nice, but for now Elton John will do.
And you can tell everybody
This is your song
It may be quite simple
But now that its done
I hope you dont mind
I hope you dont mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is while youre in the world
Older Chris & Franklin
How wonderful life is while youre in the world
End Scene

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Act I Scene Sixteen

1983. San Francisco: At rise Simon, Jack, and Chris are in San Francisco
burying Chriss mother. They are at the burial site. This is where the funeral
has been performed. They are standing around the grave and have flowers
in their hands. It is near the end of the service. The priest is reading from the
book of Mark. It is clear that he has been speaking for a very long time.

Priest
Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the
tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, Who will
roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away-for it
was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a
long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

But he said to them, Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of

Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where
they laid him.

Pause

The word of the lord.

Simon, Jack and Chris look at the priest uncertainly. Then the priest makes a
motion to let them know its their turn to speak.

Simon, Chris Jack

In Unison
Thanks be to god. Amen.

Jack
Oh, Thanks be to god.

Priest
Chris, is there anything that you would like to say about your mother?

Chris
Looks very uncertain
Why did you read all that?

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Priest
Thats a traditional selection for catholic funerals.

Chris
Yeah, but is that passage supposed to comfort us? Am I supposed to think
that my mother is going to rise from the dead? Is that the point?

Priest
Looks a bit baffled

I do think that passage is supposed to offer comfort to the living. Its true
that your mother probably wont rise from the dead and walk among us
again, but her soul is eternal. All of our souls our eternal, and that passage is
meant to convey the fact that your mothers soul lives on in heaven because
of Jesuss sacrifice.

Chris
I hope that heaven and hell dont really exist, cause if they do, my mother
certainly isnt in heaven.
Priest
Pause

Is there anything that you would like to say about your mother before we
conclude the service?

Chris
Mom, you were very difficult to deal with most of the time, and you werent
like any of the parents that I knew, but you did your best to raise me by
yourself and I appreciate that. I know you did the best you could.

Chris sings
I hope you dont mind
I hope you dont mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is while youre in the world

I love you.
Chris throws his flower onto the coffin. Then Simon and Jack throw their
flowers on the coffin.

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Chris
Hey Jack, does your Polaroid have any pictures left?

Jack
Why?

Chris
I thought maybe the Priest could take a picture of us by the grave.

Jack
Uh. Yeah. O.K.

Jack takes the Polaroid out of its case.

Simon
To the Priest

Would you mind? Chris really wants to retain one last memory of his
mother.

Priest
Uh. O.K.
Jack hands the Priest the camera. They pose by the grave. The Priest takes a
picture. It comes out of the Polaroid.

End Of Scene

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Act I Scene Seventeen

San Francisco: At rise Simon, Jack and Chris are in their hotel room. It is
two connected rooms.

Simon
Do you think that your mother would have liked her funeral?

Chris
Yeah. It was pretty nice. Except for the fact that she wasnt religious at all.

Jack
Why did you hire a catholic priest?

Simon
He was the only person available on the date and time that we needed.

Chris
If I die suddenly, dont have some priest reading all that religious shit at my
funeral.

Jack
Me neither.

Simon
I thought it was kind of nice.

Chris
I thought it was boring. Jesus this, salvation that.

Jack
Id like to be cremated when I die.

Simon
Really. I thought that we were going to be buried together in the same
grave.

Jack
Uh-uh. No way. Im scared of being buried alive.

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Simon
Trust me, you wont be alive after they embalm you.

Jack
Still, I dont like the idea of being underground. It gets cold in the winter,
and the soil gets hard. It seems like being underground then would be very
unpleasant.

Simon
Do you want your ashes scattered over a waterfall or something like that?

Jack
No. Just put me up on the mantle.

Chris
Did you notice that my room doesnt have a bathroom?

Simon
Really?

Jack gets up to check. He re-enters.

Jack
What kind of hotel is this? That means that the only bathroom is in our
room.

Simon
To Chris

Well, you better brush your teeth and get ready for bed.

Chris
O.K.

Chris exits to go to the bathroom

End Scene

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Act I Scene Eighteen

San Francisco: At rise it is a couple of hours later. Simon and Jack are
having anal sex. Jack is on all fours and Simon is pumping behind him. We
see them having sex for about 30 seconds and then Chris enters. Chris
stands in the doorway not knowing what to do. Jack and Simon notice after
a couple of moments and Simon stops pumping but stays inside of Jack.

Simon
What are you doing?

Chris
I, uh, I have to go to the bathroom.

Jack
I thought we told you to pee before you went to sleep.

Chris
I forgot. Ill just hold it.

Jack
No, go to the bathroom. Its fine.

Chris goes into the bathroom. They start having sex again while Chris is in
the bathroom. Chris re-enters and stares. Simon stops pumping.

Simon
Would you like to join us?

Chris
I dont know.

Jack
Are you a virgin?

Chris
No.

Simon
Dont be shy.

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Chris walks over to them but is uncertain how to join in.

Jack
Stand in front of me, and take out your penis.

Chris starts to take his penis out.

Blackout

End Of Scene

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Act I Scene Nineteen

Lichtenberg, Germany: At rise Katrin and Michael are sitting in their living
room. Katrin is writing in a diary. Michael is sketching her. They are silent.

New York City 1983: At rise it is a week later. Chris is alone onstage
cleaning the house.

New York City 2011: At rise Peter is packing and he and Josephine are
waiting for his car to arrive.

Michael looks up from his sketchbook.

Michael
Did you do any writing today?

Katrin
I wrote a few lines

Michael
Will you recite them to me?

Katrin
She recites

The rain turned to snow on a sunny Sunday afternoon,

And the car slid off the road.
Grief that they died and I survived.

Michael
Thats beautiful. We should really try to get your poetry published.

Katrin
Im not that good.

Michael
Yes you are.

Jack enters.

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Jack
Good morning Chris.
Chris
Good morning Jack.
Jack
Have you made my coffee?
Chris
Yup. Its all brewed.
Simon enters.
Simon
Good morning Chris.

Chris
Good morning.

Simon
Wheres the paper?
Chris
On the table.
Simon
Oh, I see it.
Simon sits down and starts reading. Jack sits next to him.
Wheres my coffee?
Chris
Im getting it right now.
Chris exits to get breakfast tray.
Michael
Umm...

Katrin
What?

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Michael
Paul didnt select me for the open slot.

Katrin
Oh no, Im so sorry Michael.

Michael
Its ok. I feel fine about it actually. I really like his work.

Katrin
Who did he pick?

Michael
One of the Americans. His name is Peter Arscott. I wouldnt normally
support an American, but I think that hes a sympathizer.

Katrin
Really?

Michael
Yes, his paintings seem to support the purity of the white race.

Katrin
How do you mean?

Michael
Well, for instance, he has this one painting that portrays an American ghetto
dweller shooting up heroin in an ally. And he has another where a black
father is raping his daughter while the mother looks on.

Katrin
Huh.

Michael
I think these paintings symbolize the depravity of the niggers. It shows them
in their purest light. It shows their immorality and lack of humanity. Theyre
practically monkeys.

Josephine
What time is your car coming?

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Peter
In about fifteen minutes.

Michael
Then he also has a painting of the Klu Klux Klan lynching a nigger. It shows
the joy of the Klan members. They are basking in their celebration.

Peter
Im going to miss you.

Josephine
Im going to miss you too.

Chris
How would you like your toast?

Simon
Ill have butter, please.

Jack
Same for me, except Id like strawberry jam also.

Chris
No problem.

Chris goes and puts toast in the toaster.

Josephine
I have to tell you something.

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Peter
What?

Josephine
Im pregnant.

Peter
Really!?

Josephine
Youre going to be a daddy!

They kiss.

Jack
Weve finished reviewing all of the applications, and the admissions
committee has decided to accept you for the fall semester!

Chris
Really!?

Jack
Thats right. We all feel that youre an extremely talented actor, and with the
proper training you could go all the way to the top.

Chris
Thank you Jack!

He throws his arms around Jack and sits in his lap.

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Jack
You know, Ive been thinking, Id really like you to call me Uncle Jack.

Chris
Giggly

O.K. Uncle Jack.

Simon
And Id really like you to call me Dad.

Chris
Laughs

O.K. Dad.

Jack
And one more thing.

Chris
What?

Jack
When youre cleaning the house, Id like you to wear clothes that show off
your butt. Maybe some Jean cutoff shorts or something like that.

Simon
Yes, that will be a welcome sight.

Chris and Jack start to kiss. And it looks like theyre about to do a lot more
than just kiss.

Peter
I wish I didnt have to leave.

Josephine
Youll be back soon enough.

Peter
You should go see a doctor right away.

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Josephine
I will. Ive made an appointment for this week.

Peter
How long are we supposed to wait until we tell anyone?

Josephine
Twelve weeks I think.

Peter
Maybe I shouldnt go. I want to stay here with you.

Josephine
Ill be fine. Dont worry.

Peter
O.K.

They kiss.

Michael
Im going to try and convince Paul to let me show Peter Arscott around
while hes in Berlin. Id love to get to know him.

Katrin
You should invite him over for dinner.

Michael
I will.

Josephine
I have another surprise!

Peter
What is it?

Josephine
Ive taken some naked pictures of me-self in case you get lonely.

She hands him the pictures in an envelope and he takes them out.

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Peter
This is like Christmas!

They start to seriously make out and they look like theyre going to have sex
right there.

Michael
I wish I had the audacity to paint the way Peter Arscott does.

Katrin
I love your work. I think theres a lot to be said for subtlety. I love the
painting where you show the whole world mourning because of the death of
a blond haired blue eyed child. The child looks so regal in his coffin. That
painting symbolizes the true order of a perfect world. It shows that every
Aryan child should be revered as Jesus was.

Michael
Thank you Katrin. Your love of my work means a lot to me. I just wish I
could come right out and say the things I want to say through my work.

Katrin
Your work comes straight from the heart, and everyone can feel that. We
live in a society where it would be impossible for you to have a mainstream
career if you painted pictures of Hitler basking in the divine pleasure of
putting Jews in ovens. Your art must speak the truth through subtler means
for now. Peter Arscotts work seems a bit obvious.

Michael
You are the light of my life Katrin.

Katrin
And youre the light of mine.

Michael gives Katrin a long passionate kiss on the forehead. Then he kisses
her eyes and cheek. He strokes her hair and they hug for a few moments.
They hug for so long that one might wonder whether there is more to their
relationship.

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Josephine
Do we have time?

Peter
Lets go for it.
Peter lifts up her skirt and she takes off her underwear. He unbuckles his
pants and pulls down his underwear. He lifts her up and they start to have
sex against a wall in their apartment with him holding her up. We hear the
sound of the cab beeping as the lights fade to black.

Simon
Chris, the toast is getting cold.

Chris
Oh, sorry.

Chris climbs out of Jacks lap and goes to butter and put jam on the toast.

Do you think that I could have some money for some new clothes?

Simon
Sure. Lets go shopping this afternoon before rehearsal.

Chris
Thanks.

Chris kisses Simon.

Jack
Have you ever heard of the Marquis De Sade?

Chris
I feel like Ive heard his name.

Simon
He was the greatest philosopher of the 18th century and perhaps of all time.

Jack
He believed in absolute freedom, unrestrained by morality, religion, or law.

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Simon
He believed that morality and religion are social constructs which are meant
to repress human beings, and prevent them from truly expressing their
creativity, which in turn deprives individuals of ever knowing or being their
true selves.

Chris
That sounds awesome!

Jack
We had a feeling that youd be interested in him.

Simon
Theres a book that wed like you to read.

Jack
Its a dialogue written by the Marquis De Sade called Philosophy in the
Bedroom.

Jack hands Chris the book.

Chris
Thanks Uncle Jack!

Simon
Well go buy you some clothes after youve finished doing your chores.

Chris
O.K. Dad.

Michael
Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?

Katrin
Yes. I think that would be fun.

End of Scene
End of Act One

INTERMISSION

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Act Two
Scene One
Lichtenberg: At rise Michael is carrying Katrin to the bathtub. She is naked.
He places her in the tub.
Michael
What did you think of the film?

He hands her a sponge and she starts to wash the top of her body.

Katrin
It was too sentimental. I hated how that couple re-hashed the entirety of their
relationship. I mean, just get divorced already!

They laugh

Michael
I agree.

Katrin
But its always good to get out. I really enjoy spending time with you.

Michael
Is the water too hot?

Katrin
No, Its just right.

Michael
Heinz and I have decided to stop wearing the uniform.

Katrin
Thank you Michael.

They share a moment

Will you wash my legs? I cant reach.

Michael
Sure.

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She hands him the sponge. He lifts one leg out of the water and first washes her
foot. Then he washes her calf and then he washes her inner thigh. He spends an
extra long time there. Katrin closes her eyes and lets out a short moan.
Michael
Do you like that?
She shakes her head up and down. He takes the other leg out of the water.
Washes her foot, then he washes her calf, and washes her inner thigh. She is
no longer hiding her pleasure at all. She is breathing heavily.
Do you need to experience a release?
Katrin
Yes.
Michael
Do you want to do it yourself, or do you want me to do it?
Katrin
Softly You do it.
Michael
Are you sure?
Katrin
Yes.
Michael lets go of the sponge and rubs her clitoris until she has an orgasm.
She then goes limp and closes her eyes.
Michael
Do you feel better now?
She shakes her head up and down. Her eyes are closed.
Its your bedtime.
She shakes her head up and down again.
Sit up.
She sits up and he hands her a towel. She wraps it around herself. He lifts
her out of the tub and wraps his arms around her. He carries her offstage.
End Scene

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Act II Scene Two

At rise Franklin and Older Chris are in a Coffee shop in Park Slope.

Older Chris
You ever been to Park Slope before?
Franklin
No.
Older Chris
I thought it would be convenient for you since you live in Crown Heights.
Franklin
This is where the rich people live.
Older Chris
Yeah, you could say that. Rich people, artists, gays...
Franklin
Where do you live?
Older Chris
I live in Greenwich Village.
Franklin
Do you have your own place?
Older Chris
No. I live with my parents. I call them my parents anyway. These guys Jack
and Simon took me in after my mom died. Theyve been very good to me.
How about you?
Franklin
Ive been livin in my moms apartment since she passed. Its nice to have
my own place.
Older Chris
Thats rad.

Pause

So, what do you think of your cousin Peter?

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Franklin
You know, uh, hes livin his life, and uh-

Older Chris
Hes a fucking asshole.

Franklin
He sure is.

Older Chris
Hes so narcissistic. I dont know where he gets off treating people the way
he does.

Franklin
What do you think Josephine sees in him?

Older Chris
The truth is that our personalities change depending on the situation and who
were with. He must treat Josephine decently or else she wouldnt have
married him. On the other hand, our father is a total prick, and they say that
you marry a man just like your father, so...

Franklin
Does Peter remind you of your father?

Older Chris
I barely know my father. But the few interactions that I had with him were
decidedly unpleasant. But Josephine has nothing but good things to say
about him. He seems to have treated her very well.

Franklin
So, I guess it goes back to the fact that our personalities change depending
on the situation and who were with.

Older Chris
What about your father?

Franklin
Hes serving life in prison for armed robbery and murder.

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Older Chris
Have you ever met him?

Franklin
My mom took me to visit him once.

Older Chris
You know, there are a lot of similarities between our lives.

Franklin
Yeah, its kind of crazy.
Pause
You wanna taste?

Chris tries Franklins drink.

So, whered you grow up?
Older Chris
In San Francisco before my mother died, and then I came to New York to
become an actor.
Franklin
Youre an actor?
Older Chris
Yes, but Ive had much more success as a model than an actor. My modeling
career was really taking off in Europe before I had to come back. I havent
had much luck acting or modeling since. But I have a one man show that I
really want to get produced. Im looking for funders right now. I asked
Simon and Jack to produce the show, but they said that their contribution to
my show is free rent. So, if you know anyone who wants to invest in a show
thats sure to be a hit-
Franklin
I dont know anyone.
Pause
So you and Josephine are half-brother and sister, right?

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Older Chris
Yeah. Thats the one good thing that he did. He brought Josephine and I
together.

Franklin
How long have you been in touch for?

Older Chris
She moved to New York after college, and looked me up, and weve been in
touch ever since.

Franklin
Thats crazy man. I wonder if I have some long lost brother or sister out
there.

Older Chris
Its quite possible. You should visit your father and find out.

Franklin
You think so?

Older Chris
Yes. Theres nothing more important in this world than family.

Long Pause

Older Chris puts his hand on Franklins thigh.

Franklin
Yo what the fuck are you doing!

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Older Chris
What?

Franklin
You some sort of faggot or something!? Putting your hand on my thigh!?

Older Chris
Well actually, yes, I am gay.

Franklin
What?!

Older Chris
I thought you were too. I kind of thought this was a date.

Franklin
Grabs Older Chriss shirt and brings him close violently

You saying that I look like a faggot to you!?

He throws Chris to the floor in his chair

You better stay the fuck away from me man.

Franklin Exits

End Scene

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Act II Scene Three

1983. New York City: At rise it is rehearsal for Donalds play. Jack is on
stage alone performing. Noah, Chris, Donald, and Simon watch.

Jack
Yes, I saved her from the clutches of slavery. The destiny that her mother
had sold her into. Do you know that I purchased the girl directly from her
mother? When I walked into the brothel there were about a hundred and fifty
girls, between the ages of five and nine, offering themselves to me. The girls
would each describe the sexual acts they would perform for me and how
much they would cost. Their mothers were all with them, and the mothers
would help their children out bid the other little girls.

15 dollars for a blowjob!

No. Dont go with her. My child will do it for 12 dollars.

On and on it went like this. Tragic. Pure tragedy. But then I spotted her, my
angel. She was standing silently in the corner of the room. She wasnt
corrupted like the other little girls. She was still pure. Not yet a whore. I
pointed at her and said:

Ill take that one.

You can have her for 50 dollars.

That price is much too high. I can get one of those other girls for 12
dollars.

But my daughter is still a virgin.

Those sweet words sang to my soul, like the mist on a summer morning.

Ill take her.

I brought her back to America and adopted her. I raised her alone. I never
married cause I wanted to devote my life to my sweet little Cambodian
angel. I entered her in beauty pageants from an early age, and she never lost
a single one. As she grew older, and her beautiful buds became breasts, I
noticed other men looking at her. And I was determined that she should keep

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her virginity intact, so I didnt allow her to date, and if she wanted to spend
time with a young man, I always escorted her. This is how things were done
in Victorian times, and I pine for those purer uncomplicated days.

When she turned twenty years old I asked her for her hand in marriage. I did
not force her. She consented of her own free will. It was after our marriage
day that I took her sweet virginity. Finally I was able to touch her soft
buttocks and show her the ways of love.

I will have you know that I am not a pedophile! I am not a pedophile! I

resisted touching her until she was twenty years old. After I had taken her
for my bride. So-

Simon
What the fuck is this!??!!

Noah
Hold!

Simon
What the fuck is this Donald!!??

Noah
I thought you had approved these changes Simon?

Simon
No! No! No! This is pornography!

Jack
To Donald

I told you that him marrying the girl crosses the line. I mean, were going to
have people walking out of the theater and asking for their money back.
Maybe you can do this downtown, but youve got to write differently for an
uptown audience.

Donald
I was just trying something new. You have to give me room to explore the
character!

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Simon
These arent the changes that I approved.

Donald
I think him marrying the girl makes his character more complicated.

Simon
Yes, it makes his character more complicated, but it makes him a more
unsympathetic character to the audience.

Donald
I see what youre saying.

Simon
I want those changes by tomorrow!
Simon gets up and exits in a huff.

Jack!
Jack follows him.

Noah
Well, I guess rehearsals over for the day.

Donald
What did you think of the changes, Noah?

Noah
It doesnt matter what I think.

Donald
Huh.

Noah
Im going to go get a pedicure.

He exits

Chris
I like your play.

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Donald
You did?

Chris
Yeah. I think its really true to life. I really relate to Jacks character and the
character of the little girl.

Donald
Really?

Chris
Yeah, this idea that people cant relate to certain types of material is bullshit.
I think more people can relate to this than people would like to admit. This is
the type of play that Id like to act in someday.

Chris cleans up as they talk.

Ive been reading the Marquis De Sade.

Donald
Arent you a little young to be reading that?

Chris
Im fourteen.

Donald
When I was fourteen, I thought that I was an adult. And I did a lot of adult
things. Got into a whole lot of trouble.

Chris
Jack and Simon gave me the book.

Donald
Oh. Well that changes things a little. I love the Marquis.

Chris
People used to be considered adults at fourteen years of age. Girls used to be
married-off by twelve years old, and having children by thirteen or fourteen.

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Donald
Thats true, but life expectancy was much much shorter. The average life
span was like 30 years old. 35 year old men were considered senior citizens.

Chris
Thats true.

Donald
Enjoy your youth. Dont try to grow up too quickly.

Chris
Hey. Can I read you something?

Donald
Sure.

Chris
He reads

if it is proven that Gods existence is impossible, and that Nature, forever in

action, forever moving, has of herself what it pleases idiots to award god
gratuitously;
that, supposing him to exist as religions portray him to us, this would be the
most detestable of creatures, since it would be God who permits evil to be on
earth while his omnipotence could prevent it
He stops reading.
Isnt that amazing?

Donald
What you just read is one of my favorite passages from that book. But my
favorite passage from the Marquis is in the novel Incest. Ill loan you my
copy.

Chris
And on the previous page he asks:
Can such impulses be natural? Does nature recommend what offends her?
Do you see Donald?

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Donald
I see.
Chris
We should follow all our impulses, and deprive ourselves nothing. Nature
has filled us with theses impulses to act on them. Not to try to repress them.
The only sin is to stifle your natural impulses, cause this deprives you of
being as nature wants you to be. There is nothing un-natural in this world
except self deprivation.
Donald
I couldnt agree more. Youre very mature for a fourteen year old.
Chris
I see the way you look at me.
Donald
How do I look at you?
Chris
Like you want to ravish me.
Donald
Suppose I do?
Chris
Kisses Donald and they start to get pretty heavy but Donald pushes Chris away.
What?
Donald
I want to take things slowly. Youll learn that sex is better if you let the
anticipation build.
Chris
Can I spend the night at your house tonight?
Donald
Yes, but no sex tonight. We can kiss and fondle, but I want the anticipation
and tension to build until neither of us can take it anymore; then comes
sweet release.
End Of Scene

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Act II Scene Four

Berlin, Germany: At rise Peter is at his hotel, Berlin. There is a knock on the
door. Peter opens the door. It is Paul and Michael. Paul is English. Paul can
be played by the same actor who played the Funeral Director and Heinz.

Peter
Come in!

Paul
Hi. Im looking for Peter Arscott.

Peter
Im Peter.

Paul
Surprised that Peter is Black

Oh, Im Paul, the curator at the gallery.

Peter
Nice to meet you Paul.

Paul
And this is Michael, an assistant at the gallery.

Michael is in total shock that Peter is black.

Peter
Hi Michael.

Peter reaches out to shake Michaels hand and Michael isnt sure whether
he should shake his hand. He eventually does.

Michael
Hi Peter.

Paul
You settling in alright?

Peter
Yeah. The hotel is great.

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Paul
It is a nice place isnt it. Michael will be taking care of you while youre in
Berlin.

Peter
Where are you from?

Paul
England.

Peter
My wife is English.

Paul
I guess that makes you an honorary Englishman!

Peter and Paul laugh awkwardly. Michael is trying to figure out how hes
going to get out of this situation. Michael looks at his i-phone.

Michael
Oh shit!

Paul
What?

Michael
My sister fell out of her wheelchair! Her school texted me.

Peter
Thats terrible.

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Michael
To Paul

I wont be able to show Peter around.

Paul
Thats ok. You go and make sure that your sister is alright.

Michael exits

His parents died in a car accident last year, and his sister was disabled in the
wreck.
Peter
Thats terrible.

Paul
Alright. Well, the first thing we should do is get you a pint.

Peter
Beer is always good.

Paul
In Germany they make this white ale. Youll love it. They call is Weiss
Beers.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Five

1983. New York City: At rise Chris and Donald are in Donalds apartment.
They are kissing at the top of the scene. Then Chris tries to unbuckle
Donalds pants to give him a blowjob, but Donald stops him.

Donald
Not yet. Let the tension build.

Chris
Sorry. Its just that I feel like Im going to explode. I want to feel your cock
in my mouth.

Donald
Not yet.

Chris
I cant take it anymore. Im so horny. Can I jerkoff? Do you want to watch
me jerkoff?

Donald
No. That defeats the whole point. The orgasm youll have when we make
love is going to be an ecstasy like nothing else youve ever experienced. Its
going to be better than any drug that youve ever done, and its going to be
better than the pleasure any woman could ever show you. Youre going to
see god.

Chris
Youve been with women?

Donald
Sure. When I was growing up homosexuality was considered a
psychological disorder. So, in order to fit in as a teenager I had to have sex
with girls.

Chris
How were you able to get an erection?

Donald
I think everyones a little bi-sexual.

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Chris
Im not. I only love men. Though I think Elizabeth Taylor is fabulous.
Donald laughs
Donald
Grabs the book Marquis de Sade Incest
In this section of the book, a minister is trying to convince the protagonist of
the novel to stop having an incestuous affair with his daughter and return to
his wife.
The minister says:
He reads
It is impossible, Monsieur, for happiness to be found in crime
Then the protagonist Franval responds:
He reads
Happiness is ideal, it is the product of imagination; each day we see an
individual made happy by exactly the same thing which is a cause of the
greatest displeasure to another; thus no happiness is certain, and there can
exist for us no other happiness than that which we form on the basis of our
bodily constitution and our principles.
Pause
Chris
Hes saying that good and evil are social constructs, and that theres no such
thing as wrong and right. Just choices that we make based on our own
internal compass.
Pause
Thats rad.
Donald
It is. I think that Incest reveals the Marquiss philosophy in a much clearer
and straightforward manner.
Chris
Yeah.

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Donald
I actually think that the detailed descriptions of sexual activity in Philosophy
In The Bedroom dilute his message. It makes it too easy for people to write
his work off as pornography.

Chris
Right. Cause what hes really talking about is a way of life that extends far
beyond sex. Hes just using sex as an example for how to transcend the
hypocrisy inherent in the values of western society.

Donald
Youre really smart. How old are you again?

Chris
Fourteen.

Donald
Did you go to private school in San Francisco?

Chris
No, but I love to read. And I love Eastern Philosophy.

Donald
Buddha once said:

Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who has said it, not even if
I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common
sense.
Chris
I love you Donald.
Donald
I love you too.
Chris
Sings
And you can tell everybody
This is your song
It may be quite simple

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But now that its done

I hope you dont mind
I hope you dont mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is while youre in the world
How wonderful life is while youre in the world
They start to make out and Donald starts to take off Chriss pants.
Chris
What are you doing?
Donald
Ive changed my mind. Im going to fuck you now.
Chris
Thank you.
Chris takes off his pants and underwear and bends over.

Donald
No, not like that. Get on your back.
Chris lies down on his back and Donald takes off his pants and underwear.
I want to look into your eyes while I fuck your immaculate ass.
Donald climbs on top of Chris and enters him.
Chris
With intense lust
Thank you Donald. Thank you. Thank you.
Donald and Chris continue to have sex.

Chris
Im coming!
Donald
Me too!

End Of Scene

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Act II Scene Six

Berlin: At rise Paul and Peter are sitting in a pub

Peter
Hey, what are those girls doing in those windows across the street?

Paul
Laughs

What do you think theyre doing?

Peter
I dont know.

Paul
Theyre whores.

Peter
Is prostitution legal in Berlin?

Paul
Obviously. Were much more enlightened about such matters in Europe.
Whats the point of throwing people in prison for having sex.

Peter
Amazed

Wow. Do you ever have sex with them?

Paul
I try not to fuck whores cause I think its unethical. But sometimes, when
Im drunk, I just cant help myself.

Peter
What is it like?

Paul
You pick out a girl, pay your money, and fuck the living shit out of her.

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Peter
Can you fuck them in the ass?

Paul
Theyre whores. You can do whatever you want! But you have to pay a little
more for anal sex.

Peter
How much does it cost?

Paul
Fifty to a hundred euros depending where you go.

Pause

Would you like me to take you to the whorehouse Peter?

Peter
I dont know. Im married.

Paul
Youre wife will never know. What happens in Berlin, stays in Berlin.

Peter
Its tempting.

Paul
My advice would be to fuck a girl thats not like your wife. Find a girl that
really fulfills one of your fantasies.

Peter
Well, Ive always wanted to have sex with a black girl.

Paul
Youve never had sex with a black girl?

Peter
Never.

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Paul
Oh, youre missing out. Black girls have the juiciest pussies, and they
usually have something for you to hold on to.

Peter
I dont like fat girls.

Paul
Im not talking about fat girls. Just girls who are really thick. Those are the
best ones to fuck in the ass too. They can take it, unlike these white girls
who you feel like youre breaking in half. If you dont mind my asking, does
your wife let you stick it in her bum?

Peter
No.

Paul
I think weve made our plan for the day. Were going to find you a thin
black girl to fuck in the ass.

They clink glasses and chug the rest of their beer.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Seven

1983. New York City: At rise Chris has just walked into Simon and Jacks
house. It is the next day. Simon is in the Living room when Chris enters.

Chris
Hi, Dad.

Simon
Where were you last night?

Chris
Donalds house.

Simon
Incredulous

You were at Donalds house!?

Chris
Yeah. Whats wrong with that?

Simon
Calling to Jack

Hey Jack! Chris decided to come home!

Jack
Jack enters

What?

Simon
Chris spent the night at Donalds house.

Jack
What!!?? Who gave you permission to have a sleepover at Donalds house!?

Chris
Whats the big deal?

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Simon
Youre fourteen. And were your parents. You have to get our permission
before you have a sleepover.

Jack
Yelling

And you forgot to wash the dishes!

Chris
I washed them.

Jack
Yelling

There were still two spoons and a coffee mug in the sink!

Chris
Im sorry. Ill wash them now.

Chris tries to go over to the sink but Simon violently grabs his arm as he
tries to walk by

Simon
What the fuck were you doing with Donald last night!!??

Chris
Nothing. Just hanging out.

Jack
Is that what were calling it these days!!??

Chris
Let me go!

Chris breaks away.

Jack
You fucked him! Didnt you, you little slut!

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Chris
What do you care?!

Jack grabs Chriss head and throws him to the ground. Jack then takes off
his belt and is about to start spanking Chris when Simon says:
Simon
No, let me.
Simon starts to spank Chris while Jack holds Chris down. Throughout this
Chris says: Stop Let me go you fags

Im your father! You need to show me some god damn respect! Im your
father! Dont ever disobey me again.

Jack
Thats enough!
Jack stops Simon. They all catch their breath.
Who are you to call us fags?

Chris
Youre both fucking hypocrites.

Simon
How?

Chris
Cause youre jealous that I fucked Donald.

Jack
So what? Youre ours. Not his.

Chris
What about the Marquis de Sade?

Simon
What about him?

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Chris
You gave me that book. I was simply following my natural desire. I mean,
isnt that the whole point. I was actually thinking that we could have an orgy
with Donald. I didnt think you guys would care.

Jack
Well, we do care!

Chris
But I was just following my natural desire!

Simon
Our natural desire is for you not to have sex with Donald.

Jack
So whats it gonna be?

Chris
I dont understand.

Jack
You have to choose between us and Donald.

Chris runs to his room and locks the door.

End Of Scene

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Act II Scene Eight

Berlin: At rise Peter is alone with a black prostitute named Gretchen. She is
wearing lingerie and he still has his clothes on.

Gretchen
Whats your name?

Peter
Peter.

Gretchen
Dont be shy Peter. Come sit next to me.

Peter sits next to her

Where are you from?

Peter
New York.

Gretchen
Let me help you to get more comfortable.

Gretchen slowly undresses Peter.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Nine

1983. New York City: At rise Jack and Simon are in the living room waiting
for Chris to emerge. Donald rings the doorbell. Jack answers the door.

Donald
Hey guys.
Jack
Surprised
What are you doing here you pedophile?
Donald
I came to get Chris.
Simon
Get out.
Chris enters with his bags packed
Donald
Chris told me that you gave him an ultimatum. That he had to choose
between you guys and me.
Chris
Im going with Donald.
Simon
Youre not going anywhere Chris. Jack and I are going to call the police and
have you arrested for being a pedophile.
Donald
Come on guys.
Jack
Youre a pedophile. Its disgusting.
Donald
You guys had sex with him too.
Simon
Were his parents!
Jack
Besides, were not infected with a contagious disease.

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Chris
What?

Simon
Thats right. The reason were so upset Chris, is that Donald was very
reckless to have slept with you.

Jack
Did you use condoms?

Chris
No.

Jack
To Donald
How could you? How could you do this Donald?

Donald
It hasnt been proven for sure that you get it from sex.

Simon
I cant believe you. You have to be a really sick person to endanger a child
like that.

Jack
Youre denial has gone on long enough. People like you need to stop
pretending that you dont get it from sex. Its reprehensible!

Donald
I tried not to. I tried to hold back. But I couldnt help myself. Chris is just so
beautiful. I really think I love him.

Chris
What are you guys talking about?

Jack
Donald has gay cancer.

Chris
What?

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Simon
Also known as AIDS.

Jack
Were calling the police Donald.

Chris
Please dont! I love Donald. I dont care that he has AIDS. I want to be with
him anyway.

Donald
Lets go Chris.

They start to leave.

Simon
Your show is canceled.

Donald
I figured.

Jack
And your acceptance to the Performing Arts High school has been revoked.

They are about to walk out the door.

Oh, and Chris, you suck. Youre one of the worst actors that Ive ever seen.
You shouldnt even try to make it in this business.

Chris doesnt say anything. Donald and Chris exit.

Should we call the police?

Simon
Whats the point?

Jack
Yeah.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Ten

Berlin: Peter and Gretchen in bed.
Peter
Youre so beautiful. Your skin. Your skin is like caramel.
Gretchen (laughs)
Thank you, I guess. (She kisses him deeply)
Peter
The man downstairs said no kissing.
Gretchen
Youre special. (She kisses him again)
Peter
Where are you from?
Gretchen
Sudan.
Peter
Whats your name?
Gretchen
Gretchen.

Peter
Is that your real name?

Gretchen (laughs)
No.

Peter
Whats your real name?

Gretchen
Thats my little secret. What do you want to do to me?

Peter
I want to fuck you in the ass.

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Gretchen
Can I tell you a secret?

Peter
Yes.

Gretchen
I love to be fucked in the ass. Many women dont like it. But I prefer it. Do
you know how wet youre making me?

Peter
No.
Gretchen
Let me show you.

She takes his hand and sticks one of his fingers in her vagina. She pulls it
out and it is glistening. He licks his finger.

Peter
Delicious. I need to fuck you now.

She gets on all fours.

Peter
I want to look into your eyes as I make love to you.

He enters her anally. They kiss deeply as they make love. They are both
experiencing the most intense pleasure. She orgasms. She is vocal. He orgasms
soon after. The sex should last about two minutes. After hes done he doesnt move.
He stays inside of her.
I want to stay inside of you forever.

Gretchen

Laughs

Thats not possible. Youll have to go home at some point.

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Peter
Sometimes, well. Its hard to explain. But right now I feel like I understand
the true nature of god. Do you know what I mean?

Gretchen nods her head yes. He pulls out and lies beside her. Looking her in
the eyes.

Its this pure feeling. Like Im one with everything. One with the universe. I
understand the transient nature of the world and am at peace with it. The
entirety of human history is a disaster. A complete and total disaster. But its
beautiful. Our struggle and failure is beautiful. Thats where beauty really
lies. Not in perfection. But in our fallibility. The fact that we strive for
perfection, even though it can never and will never be achieved, is beautiful.
We destroy and re-build. Destroy and re-build.

Gretchen
Laughing
Youre weird.

Peter
I know. Can I smoke in here?

Gretchen
Sure.

Peter
I only smoke a couple of cigarettes a day.

Gretchen
Even a couple of cigarettes a day will kill you. What do you do?

Peter
Im a painter.

Gretchen
What do you paint?

Peter
Its hard to explain. I like to paint pictures that portray various aspects of
American identity.

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Gretchen
Black identity?

Peter
Well, yes, in a way, but I wouldnt describe it like that. Sometimes I paint
portraits that reflect the degradation of life in American Ghettos. I also like
to paint scenes that reflect the savagery of what being black in America was
like historically.

Gretchen
What do you mean?

Peter
You should come see my show. Then youll understand.

Gretchen
So, are you like a black power type of guy?

Peter
No, no. Quite the opposite. I go out of my way to keep people from knowing
that Im black. I want people to admire my work on the basis of it alone.

Gretchen
Thats terrible.

Peter
Why?

Gretchen
You should be proud of who you are. You should be proud of your success
as a black artist. Youre a role model.

Peter
No Im not.

Gretchen
But you could be if you chose to. You could be like Obama.

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Peter
Thinks seriously for a moment

Yes. Youre right. I could be like Obama.

Gretchen
You could. You could inspire black children all over the world. Show them
that they could be great artists too.

Peter
Yes. You make me see myself in a whole different light. Ive never thought
of myself as a black man. But I am a black man, and what Ive been missing
all these years is a strong black woman.

They kiss

Do you have e-mail?

Gretchen
Of course.

Peter
Can I have it? I want to see you again. But not here. I dont want to treat you
like a whore. I want to really love you. I want to take you out. I want you to
be my strong black woman.

Gretchen
He takes out his i-phone.

Oh, you have an i-phone too.

Peter
Yup.

She takes out her i-phone.

Which i-phone do you have?

Gretchen
I have the 4. How about you?

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Peter
I have the first generation. It really sucks. I paid $600 dollars for this thing,
then two months later it went down to $400 dollars, and two years later you
can get a better one than mine for $99 dollars.

Gretchen
Yeah, you should never buy technology when its new. Remember how CD
players used to cost a thousand dollars, and now theyre less than fifty!

Peter
Soon theyll be obsolete. Do you have the i-phone bump?

Gretchen
Yeah.

They bump i-phones.

Peter
Ill e-mail you.

They kiss.

Blackout

End Scene

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Act II Scene Eleven

1983. New York City: Two weeks later. At rise Jack and Simon are talking
in their kitchen.

Simon
I dont want to go to Maine in August.

Jack
Why not?

Simon
Didnt Donald grow up in Maine?

Jack
Yeah. So?

Simon
Donald is making me have negative feelings toward Maine. I mean, why
would I want to go to a place that produces people like Donald.

Jack
Maine is pretty big Simon.

Simon
Still. Being there will remind me of him.

Jack
Yeah. I see what you mean. Fuck Maine.

Simon
I was thinking that maybe we could go to Provincetown this year.

Jack
That sounds fun.

Simon
I found this great hotel, but I cant decide whether we should rent the 850
square foot Junior Suite or the 1,000 square foot one bedroom suite, cause if
Chris comes back-

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Jack
Hes not coming back.
The doorbell rings. Jack runs to the door. Its Noah.
Hey Noah.
Noah
Hey.
Jack
What are you doing here?
Noah
I havent heard from you guys so I just wanted to come by and let you know
that I got another offer.
Simon
Oh yeah, what play?
Noah
My agent said I cant talk about it yet. Donalds play sucked anyway.
Jack
Yeah, it was pretty bad.
Simon
Have you seen them?
Noah
How would I have seen them?
Jack
Cause you live in the same neighborhood.
Noah
They moved to Cologne.
Simon
What?
Jack
Good riddens. Thats what I say.
Noah
I hear Cologne is pretty crazy.

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Silence

Simon
Fuck your other offer. Do you have any other plays that youre interested in
directing?

Noah
What do you mean?

Simon
We have a broadway theater rented. If theres a play that you feel is
production ready, lets produce it!

Noah
Really?

Jack
As long as theres a part for me.

Noah
Ill go home and look through my pile of scripts.

Noah Exits

Simon
Do you think that Noah is really gay?

Jack
I dont know. Whenever I run into him on the street hes with a woman.

Simon
Hes probably just faking it to get work.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Twelve

Berlin: At rise it is the morning of Peters opening. He has arrived at the
gallery to make sure that everything is in order. Michael is at the gallery
alone. He is totally freaked out. He deals with this by being extremely
reserved and sullen during his interactions with Peter.

Peter
Hi. Your name is Michael, right?

Michael
Yes.

Peter
Hows your sister?

Michael
Shes fine.

Peter
Is she? Falling out of a wheelchair doesnt sound like a very good thing.

Michael
Shes fine.

Peter
Good. Good. Is she going to come to the opening tonight?

Michael
No.

Peter
Are you alright? You seem a little-

Michael
Im fine. Can I help you with something?

Peter
I wanted to talk to Paul. Is he here?

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Michael
No.

Peter
You know, Im looking at these paintings and they all seem a little off.

Michael
What do you mean?

Peter
Well, they dont seem to be in the same places that I had them hung
yesterday. For instance, the lynching painting seems to have switched places
with the rape painting.

Michael
Yes, I moved a few things around. I thought the rape painting was too large
for that wall, so I moved it. Ive been working in this space for awhile, and I
find that where a painting is placed can really affect whether its sold or not.

Peter
Sinister

You moved my paintings?

Michael
Yes.

Peter
I really appreciate you trying to help, but dont you EVER move one of my
fucking paintings from its original placement ever again! You have
completely destroyed the aesthetic flow that I had created in this space. Now
we have to spend the rest of the god damn day fixing your retarded mistake!

Michael
Fighting the urge to yell back

Please dont speak to me that way.

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Peter
Long pause

Im sorry. Im sorry. I lost it. You were only trying to help.

Show me whats been altered so that we can move everything back to its
original placement.

Michael gets up without saying anything, and Peter follows him.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Thirteen

At rise Older Chris has just come over to Franklins apartment.
Franklin
Thanks for coming over.
Older Chris
I was very surprised that you called. I didnt think that youd want to see me
again.
Franklin
Yeah. Im really really sorry for my behavior.
Older Chris
Youre forgiven.
Franklin
Have a seat.
Older Chris
This is a pretty rough neighborhood. Are you sure its safe for you to be
living here?
Franklin
Im used to it. You should be careful though.
He laughs a little
Older Chris
Ill try. So, why did you ask me to come over?
Franklin
I dont know.
Older Chris
Incredulous
You dont know?

Chris pulls out weed and papers.

Do you mind?
Franklin
No, no.

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Franklin gets pipe from drawer and gives to Older Chris. They share a few hits.
I wanna tell you something.
Older Chris
What?
Franklin
Two years ago I had my first sexual experience.
Older Chris
When you were seventeen?
Franklin
Yeah.
Older Chris
Thats awfully late.
Franklin
Thanks.
So, anyway, there was this girl that I was dating but she wouldnt let me have
sex with her. All she would let me do was touch her titties. She wouldnt let
me put my hand down her pants or feel her pussy or anything. She would get
me to stay after school with her for hours with promises that I could finger her
or eat her out if I just stayed awhile longer, but she never let me do any of
those things. So, one day her parents were out and we were at her apartment
alone. I told her that I would do anything to fuck her. Anything.
So, she said that she wanted to tie me up, then blindfolded me. She took off
her skirt and guided my fingers into her pussy. She was soft and wet. Then
she said that she wanted to play with my asshole. She started licking it. I felt
very self conscious because I was afraid that I didnt wipe well enough and
that she would be licking my shit. Then she inserted her finger into my ass
and it felt really good, but you know. You know. It was weird, but I figured
that if this is what she wanted to do before I fucked her, then fine. Then she
said: Are you ready?
She got on top of me and started to rub my dick against her pussy lips. Then
she slowly let me enter her vagina. I was in heaven. Absolute heaven. Just as
I was about to cum she hopped off of my dick and said: Ive got a surprise
for you.

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Suddenly she was on top of me fucking me in the ass. I was so shocked that
I couldnt say anything. I just let her fuck me. She was on top of me, fucking
me in the ass, her tits rubbing against my chest, her stomach rubbing against
my dick, and I came hard. I came all over myself. A few moments later she
came inside of me, then took off my blindfold.

Older Chris
Was she using a dildo?

Franklin
No man! I said she came inside of me! Shes a hermaphrodite. You know, a
chick with a dick!

Older Chris
Ohhhh.

Franklin
Yeah. Crazy, right.

Older Chris
So, your first sexual experience was getting raped by a hermaphrodite.
Thats terrible Franklin. I see why you were freaked out the other day.

Franklin
The whole experience confused me.

Older Chris
So, what happened after she took off the blindfold?

Franklin
She untied one of my hands, got in bed with me, and we kissed and cuddled
for awhile. She told me she loved me, and, uh, I was confused so I told her
that I loved her too. Then she fucked me in the ass again while jerking me
off. I came all over the place again. Then she untied my other hand and I
left.

Older Chris
Did you ever see her again?

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Franklin
It was the end of the school year.

pause

But oddly enough, getting raped was the best sexual experience of my life.

Older Chris
Have you been with anyone since?

Franklin
No.

Older Chris
So, it was also the only sexual experience of your life.

Franklin
Yes.

Older Chris
Why is that?

Franklin
I dont know. Im just not that good with women I guess. Maybe Im not
good with people.

Older Chris
I like you.

Pause

Do you think that you might be gay?

Franklin
I uh. I dont know.

Older Chris
Do you want to find out?

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Franklin
Maybe.

Older Chris
Leans over and kisses Franklin long and deep.

Youre a beautiful boy.

He kisses Franklin again.

I want to help you discover your sexuality. Therefore, I want you to fuck me
in the ass so that you can see what its like. Youve only been fucked. You
dont know what its like to fuck. To really fuck someone.

Franklin
I was in a vagina for a moment.

Older Chris
But you didnt have any control. Its a completely different experience to be
in control.

Pause

You have to use a condom though.

Franklin
Why?

Older Chris
Im HIV positive.

Franklin
Well, thats not so bad. But now, you just take some pills and your fine,
right? I mean, look at Magic Johnson.

Older Chris
Its a bit more complicated than that, and its still very dangerous, but Im
healthy for the most part.

They kiss and start to take off each others clothes.

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Have you ever heard of the Marquis De Sade?

Franklin
Pulls down Older Chriss pants

Later for that. Im going to fuck you in the ass now.

Franklin enters Chris as the lights fade to black.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Fourteen

Berlin: At rise Peter is having a pint with the Curator. He is also texting
with Gretchen

Paul
Cheers Mate!

Peter and Paul clink glasses

Peter
Cheers!

Paul
That was one of the most successful openings that the gallery has ever had.

Peter
Really?

Paul
They were stumbling over one another to buy your paintings.

Peter
How many paintings did we sell?

Paul
You dont remember?

Peter
I was pretty wasted, and the cocaine only made things worse. I think I
blacked out.

Paul
Yeah, you were pretty plastered. You sold 5 paintings. Thats 55,000 Euros.

Peter
Holy shit! Thats like 100,000 dollars!

Paul
Not quite. The exchange rate isnt as good as it used to be. Its more like
80,000 dollars, and youll get about 50,000 after we take our commission.

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Peter
Thats still pretty awesome. My wife will be pretty happy.

Paul
Who are you texting?

Peter
Gretchen.

Paul
The whore?

Peter
Yeah.

Paul
Are you out of your mind? You fuck whores. You dont start relationships
with them. The beauty of fucking whores is that you get to be totally
anonymous. No relationship drama, no hearing about her day.

Peter
I like her. I think I might be in love with her.

Paul
What about your wife?

Peter
I love her too.

Paul
Youve completely lost it, mate. Youre leaving tomorrow, right?

Peter
I was supposed to leave tomorrow, but Ive decided to take in the sights and
sounds of Berlin for a couple of more days.

Paul
The gallery isnt going to pay for the extra time that youre here.

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Peter
I know.

Paul
Well, have fun!

He chugs the rest of his beer.

Im out of here mate. It was a pleasure having you here, and well have you
for another show next year.

Peter
Im looking forward to it.

Paul leaves. Peters phone rings. He answers it.

Hi Josephine.

Im fine. How are you?

Guess what?

We made 50,000 dollars at the opening!

Holy shit is right!

Hows our baby?

Yeah. You tell our baby that that daddy misses her and hell be home soon.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Uh. I need to meet with a couple more
galleries, so Ive got to stay for a couple of more days.

Yeah, it does suck, but this is what Ive got to do to make a living.

I love you too. Ill give you a call tonight.

He hangs up the phone

End Scene

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Act II Scene Fifteen

1986. Cologne, Germany: Donald is dying. He is in bed. Chris enters and
gets in bed with Donald.

Donald
Hey baby.
Chris kisses him on the lips.
Chris
I love you. These three years with you have been the best years of my life.
Donald
I love you too.

Pause

Will you read to me? Ive been so bored.

Chris
Chris grabs a collection of Emily Dickinsons poems. He reads
We grow accustomed to the dark
When light is put away
As when the neighbor hold the lamp
To witness her goodbye

A moment-We uncertain step

For newness of the night
Thenfit our Vision to the Dark
And meet the roaderect

And so of largerDarkness
Those Evenings of the Brain
When not a Moon disclose a sign
Or Starcome outwithin

The Bravestgrope a little

And sometimes hit a Tree
Directly in the forehead
But as they learn to see

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Either the Darkness alters

Or something in the sight
Adjusts itself to midnight
And life steps almost straight.
He finishes reading. Donald has died peacefully during the reading of the
poem.
Did you like that?
No answer
Do you want me to read you another?
No answer
Donald?
He feels Donalds heart to see whether it is beating. It is not.
Donald?
End Scene

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Act II Scene Sixteen

1986. New York City: At rise Simon and Jack are at home. Noah is there also.
Noah
Its true. Pilots have to walk around the whole aircraft before they take off,
to make sure theres no structural damage to the plane.
Jack
I dont know about that. Ive never seen a pilot walk around a plane before
takeoff.
Noah
Have you ever looked?
Simon
Where did you hear this?
Noah
My friends a pilot. Next time youre waiting to board your flight, look out
the window and youll see your pilot walking around the plane.
Jack
O.K. Ill look.
Noah
So, I went to Berlin and saw Chris last week.
Simon
What?
Jack
Why didnt you tell us?
Noah
I dont know. I thought it would be weird.
Simon
O.K. So.

Noah
So, Donald died three months ago, and he left Chris some money to put on
his one man show. Chris called me out of the blue and asked me to come
see his show, so I went.
Jack and Simon stunned silent.

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Not only was it terrible, but there wasnt anyone there. I mean no one. I was
the only audience member in the theater.
Jack
Are you kidding?
Noah
I told Chris that I wouldnt mind coming another night, when there were
more people there, but he said that the audience situation wasnt unusual,
and that the same thing might happen again if I came back, so he performed
the show for me alone.
Simon
That is so sad.
Jack
Poor kid.
Simon
You know, I kind of miss him.
Jack
Me too.
Noah
Well, youre in luck, cause while I was there, Chris asked if he could come
back and live with you.
Silence
Hes completely broke. He spent every last cent that he had on the show.
Plus, his health is starting to fail.
Simon
Wheres he living?
Noah
When I was there he was sleeping at the theater that he rented. Hes
probably on the street now.
Jack
Poor kid! Why didnt you bring him back with you?
Noah
You mean, why didnt I buy him a plane ticket and bring him back to my place?

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Simon
Thats exactly what we mean.

Noah
Uh. Well. Look guys, Im just telling you what happened. Dont shoot the
messenger. Honestly, Im surprised by your reaction.

Simon
Why?

Noah
Cause things ended pretty badly.

Simon
Time changes everything. Ive actually felt bad about the way things ended.

Jack
He was just a kid. He didnt really know what he was doing. I put all the
blame on Donald. Im glad hes dead.

Simon
Yup.

Jack
How can we get in touch with him?

Noah
He said that he would stand by a pay phone from 7-8 every evening. Heres
the number.

He hands them a piece of paper.

Blackout

End Scene

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Act II Scene Seventeen

1986. New York City: Chris enters with bowl of oatmeal. He has just woken
up. Jack is sitting next to him.

Chris
Sorry we didnt get a chance to talk last night. I was so tired from the flight.

Jack
Its fine. Were going to have plenty of time to get re-acquainted.

Simon
Were just happy to have you back. How are you feeling? Michael told us
that youve been sick.

Chris
Im very sick. I feel tired all the time. I often have chills. Ill be lucky if I
can keep this oatmeal down.

Jack
Are you HIV positive?

Chris
I dont know, but I assume so.

Jack
Have you gone to a doctor?

Chris
Nope.

Simon
You havent been to a doctor!?

Chris
I said no.

Jack
Everythings gonna be ok.

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Simon
Thats right. Were gonna make you all better.

Chris
Will you help me to get some auditions?

Jack
Of course.

Pause

Were happy to have you back. But I hope you understand that youre going
to have to do a few chores to earn your keep around here.

Chris
Smiles

I wouldnt have it any other way.

Simon
Rubs Chriss head.

Youre a good kid.

Chris
Thanks Dad.

Jack
I love you Chris.

Chris
I love you too Uncle Jack.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Eighteen

2011. New York City: Jack is dead. It is his funeral. Simon is finishing the
delivery of the eulogy. Franklin and Josephine are also in attendance.

Simon
I dont know what Im going to do without him. He brought light to
everyone in his life. But I do know that he wouldnt want us to sit around
and cry and mope. It would break his heart to see us distraught over his
death. Even though he died suddenly, he once told me that he wanted to be
cremated and put up on the mantle, and I intend to do just that. Im going to
put him right next to the Tony award that he won in 2010 for best supporting
actor. He wanted that Tony more than anything, and he deserved it.

Pause

Simon turns to the urn where Jacks ashes are. Lights up on Josephine,
Older Chris, and Franklin.

I love you Jack. I will always miss you.

Simon exits the stage to go sit in the audience. Or stand in the aisle.

Chris comes up to the stage.

Older Chris
Hi, Im Chris. Im Jack and Simons son. Ive met a lot of you, I think. I
know that a lot of you are producers, playwrights and directors cause um,
you know, Uncle Jack was a pretty famous actor. Yeah. He tried to help me
a lot with my career. And in his honor, Id like to deliver a monologue from
Macbeth.

She should have died hereafter

There would have been time for such a word.
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

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Lifes but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.

Thats the end of the speech

He turns to the urn

Im gonna miss you Uncle Jack. Thanks for taking care of me.

Oh, and for anyone whos interested, Ive left a stack of headshots by the
door.

Blackout

End Scene

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Act II Scene Nineteen

New York City: At rise Josephine and Simon are at Simons apartment.
Josephine
This is a really big apartment.
Simon
Yeah, I got rid of all Jacks stuff as soon as he died. I couldnt bear to look
at it anymore. But now all this empty space just reminds me that hes gone.
Hows your father Josephine?
Josephine
He has Alzheimers.
Simon
Terrible disease. But Karma gets us all. He deserves it for the way he treated
Chris.
Older Chris and Franklin enter with champagne.
Josephine
I dont know why he treated Chris that way. Hes always been wonderful to
my mom and me.
Simon
Whos this again?
Older Chris
This is Peters younger cousin Franklin. Franklins mother died recently, and
we bonded over the fact that our mothers both died of drug overdoses.
Simon
Im sorry for your loss Franklin.
Franklin
Thanks.
Simon
What was your mothers name?
Franklin
Lucy.
Simon
Ah, Lucy, beautiful name.

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To Older Chris
Remember how you insisted that you, Jack, and I take a picture at your
mothers grave?
Older Chris
Yeah.
Simon
Do you still have it?
Older Chris
Of course!
Chris pulls out the old Polaroid from his wallet.
It was on that trip that Jack, Simon, and I really bonded.
Older Chris takes Simons hand
Simon
Yes, we did.
They all look at the photograph. Chris kisses Simon.
Older Chris
Dad?
Simon
Yes, son.

Older Chris
Can Franklin move in with us?

Simon
Why?

Franklin
I have my own apartment. I dont need a place to live.

Older Chris
Franklin lives in the projects in Crown Heights. Its a terrible neighborhood
and it makes me nervous that he has to walk around there at night. It even
makes me nervous when I walk around there in the morning.

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Josephine
What? How much time have you been spending together?

Older Chris
Well, we started spending time together and we really hit it off.

Josephine
Franklin, Youre Gay!? I had no idea!

Franklin
I didnt have any idea either.

Simon
So, this relationship is a little incestuous! I like that!
He laughs
Sure, Franklin can move in. I dont want YOU or Franklin to have to walk
around in the projects.
Josephine
This is such a surprise! I am so happy for you.
Franklin
Thanks Josephine.
Simon
But if you move in with us youre going to have to do some chores.
Chris
Do you know how to wash dishes?
Franklin
I dont mind doing some chores. I actually like to wash dishes!
Chris
Good. Youre going to fit in quite well here.
Simon
Have you ever read the Marquis De Sade?

End Scene

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Act II Scene Twenty

Lichtenberg: At rise Michael and Katrin are at home. Michael is reading
Mein Kamph and Katrin is writing. Michael is seething. Katrin looks up
from her writing and notices Michaels state.

Katrin
Whats wrong?

Michael
Nothing.

Katrin
Michael?

Michael
Peter Arscotts opening made the most money in the gallerys history.

Katrin
Shouldnt you be happy about that? You love his art.

Michael
Peter Arscott is a nigger.

Katrin
Why didnt you tell me before?

Michael
I was ashamed that I fell in love with a niggers art. I was too embarrassed to
tell you. I feel betrayed.

Katrin
It was an honest mistake Michael. Dont feel bad.

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Michael
Now that I know hes black I can see how worthless, pathetic, and trite his
artwork is. I mean, he actually intends us to feel sympathy for these ghetto
niggers.

Katrin
Michael, you must calm yourself. Dont beat yourself up over this. We have
to take action.

Michael
How?

Katrin
This foreigner has come over to Germany to profit from our great economic
engine. He has deprived a German artist of a valuable opportunity. He must
be punished.

Michael
That nigger stole my slot! And he came over to the gallery the other day and
treated me like I was his servant. Me! The servant of a nigger. Mama and
papa would be so ashamed.

Katrin
Mama and Papa would demand that we fight this injustice.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Twenty-One

Berlin: At rise Peter is in his hotel room with Gretchen, who is posing
naked. It is clear that they have already made love. Peter is behind a canvas
painting Gretchen.

Gretchen
This evening was magical. Dinner, the theater, its like a fairy tale or
something. Ive never been in a hotel this beautiful before.

Peter
I treat you this way because I love you.

Pause

Will you do something for me?

Gretchen
Anything.

Peter
Will you let me call you Lucy?

Gretchen
If thats want you want.

Pause

Whos Lucy?

Peter
Youre Lucy. Lucy is the embodiment of a strong, black woman.

Gretchen
Laughs uncomfortably

O.K.

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Peter
Your son is going to be so excited to see you again.

Gretchen
My son? Whats his name?

Peter
His name is Franklin. He missed you a great deal.

Pause

Lucy, Im going to make up for the past. Im never going to let anyone
ignore or mis-treat you again. Im going to rectify the past now that youre
back here with me. How does that sound?

Gretchen
That sounds good I guess.

Peter
Good, good, my love. Did you know that you gave me my first erection
when I was nine years old? I saw you having sex with your boyfriend.

Gretchen
No.

Peter
Im going to do something now. Something that I should have done a long
time ago. Now lay back.

She lays back and he goes down on her for a few moments.

You taste just like I always imagined Lucy. Lets make up for lost time.

He continues to go down on her.

End Scene

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ACT II Scene Twenty-Two

At rise Michael, Katrin, and Heinz are in a circle holding hands. There is a
candle in the center of their circle. Katrin is saying a prayer.

Katrin
Mother and Father, please hear our prayer. We invoke your strength and
your courage. Please bestow your fortitude upon Michael and Heinz as they
go out tonight and serve the German nation. We ask for your blessing in this
sacred endeavor, and please help them to act quickly and decisively.
Heil Hitler.

Michael and Heinz

Heil Hitler.

Katrin blows the candle out

End Scene

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Act II Scene Twenty-Three

Berlin: At rise Peter and Gretchen are out for a midnight stroll. It is
magical.

Gretchen
Look at the moonlight.

Peter
Its so bright, that its almost like day.

Gretchen
Its beautiful.

Peter
I want you to quit your job.

Gretchen
How am I going to make a living?

Peter
Im going to give you some money.

Gretchen
How much?

Peter
Enough for you to come to America and start a new life.

Gretchen
Really?

Peter
Yes, Lucy. Your life was so hard. So difficult. So tragic. I want you to have
a completely new life.

Gretchen
How much are you going to give me?

Peter
Twenty-thousand Euros.

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Gretchen
Oh my god! Twenty-thousand euros? Twenty-thousand euros!?

Peter
Whats your dream?

Gretchen
Ive always wanted to be a hair stylist.

Peter
Think bigger!

Gretchen
Well, Ive always dreamed of being an actress. Having millions of people
watch me on the big screen.

Peter
Your dream shall be fulfilled. Youll start taking acting lessons as soon as
we get to New York.

Peter and Gretchen reach a movie theater box office. To ticket agent -

Two, please.

Peter and Gretchen enter movie theater.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Twenty-Four

Michael and Heinz enter movie theater. They take seats around Peter and
Gretchen. Theyre dressed in regular clothes.

Michael
Hi Peter.

Peter
Hey, hows your sister?

Michael
Shes fine.

Peter
Thats good.

Heinz
Whos this whore?

Peter
What?

Michael
He asked: Whos this whore?

Peter
What??

Peter punches Michael in the face and Michael falls to the ground. Then
Heinz throws Peter to the ground. Gretchen runs.

Heinz
Foolish nigger!

Heinz gets on top of Peter and holds him down. Michael punches Peter in
the face.

Michael
Why do make those paintings?

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Peter
What?!

Michael
You tricked me! I thought you were a compatriot!

Peter
What!? Please dont hurt me!

Heinz
Did you make any money?

Peter
Of course!

Heinz
What did you do with it?

Peter
I havent even-

Michael
Youve taken an opportunity away from a German artist.

Heinz
Youve taken an opportunity away from Michael! Michaels show should
have been up. Not your nigger trash.

Michael
Youre preventing our Aryan talent from thriving. And to make matters
worse youre spending German Euros to fuck whores! German currency
shouldnt be used to pay illegal immigrant whores! For that you shall pay!

Peter
Ill give you money!

Michael
Did you ever stop to think about why your paintings are so popular in
Germany!? You tricked all of us!

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Heinz takes out a knife and starts to stab Peter in the chest and stomach
repeatedly. Michael repeatedly kicks Peters head. There is blood
everywhere.

Michael
I think hes dead.

Heinz
We should celebrate

Michael
Ive never felt closer to God than I do right now. Now I understand the true
order of the universe.

End Scene

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Act II Scene Twenty-Five

Berlin: At rise Josephine is sitting in the hospital next to Peter. There are
bandages all over his body. His head is wrapped in bandages. His stomach
is wrapped in bandages. She reads to him from printed emails.

Josephine
After I made love to your black ass yesterday I became obsessed. I couldnt
stop thinking about that feeling and my closeness to god. It was I believe a
spiritual awakening for me. I jerked off four times after I made love to you.
Ive never cum that much in my life. The memory of you exhausted me.

I have been deprived of the pleasures of black women all these years. I
finally feel alive. Now that I know the pleasure of your tight warm asshole, I
can only imagine what your pussy must be like. It must be like a silk pasture.
Can I get closer to god than I am right now? I hope to find out soon.

I believe the picture I painted of you is my masterpiece.

Pause

At least your death will secure the future of your child and I. Theres a
media frenzy surrounding your attack, and theyve found your attackers.
Your whore identified them. Art collectors from all over the world are
calling to get a hold of your paintings. Youre finally going to achieve the
fame that you so desperately sought during your life. Goodbye Peter. I hope
that youre happier in death than you were in life. I love you and I forgive
you, and I will miss you.

She gets up and kisses his forehead. She exits the hospital room to find
Gretchen waiting.

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Josephine
Is there anything else that I should know? I mean, Ive read the police report,
but... is there more?

Gretchen
Well. Um. The night of the attack he asked whether he could start calling me
Lucy, and I let him. Does that mean anything to you?

Josephine
Looking at Peter. Softly.

Fucking pervert.

Gretchen
He was suddenly acting very strange. It scared me a little. It didnt seem like
he was talking to me anymore. But I went along with it. He said that he was
going to rectify the past now that I was back here with him. Then he-

Josephine
Thats enough. Its enough. I dont want to hear anymore.

Gretchen
He said that he was going to give me some money.

Josephine
How much?

Gretchen
Thirty Thousand Euros.

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Long Pause

Josephine
Im going to give it to you. I read those e-mails. The way Peter objectified
you is sick and immoral. I dont blame you at all.

Gretchen
Thank you.

Josephine
I was really angry. Really angry and confused, and I thought about killing
myself. But then I realized that forgiveness is the only way that Im going to
get through this. Its not easy to forgive, but Im trying.

Where are you from?

Gretchen
Sudan.

Josephine
Im going to give you the money on one condition.

Gretchen
Whats that?
Josephine
You have to stop prostituting yourself. I want some good to come from
Peters death.
Gretchen
Thank you! Its people like you who make the world a better place. You
have such a pure soul. I can see it. This money is going to allow me to buy
my familys land back. We were all forced to flee during the war, and our
land was confiscated from us.
Josephine
Thats terrible.

Gretchen
This money will help us buy our land back, and maybe in a few years well
have enough money to re-build our house.

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Josephine
What happened to your house?

Gretchen
They burned it to the ground. First they raped me, my mother, and my sister,
while forcing my father to watch. Then they killed my father in front of us.
After that they locked all the doors and windows and lit the house on fire. It
was lucky that we were able to escape.

Josephine
Thats absolutely horrific. Oh, you poor girl. How much would it cost to re-
build your house?

Gretchen
It would cost another thirty-thousand euros.

Josephine
So, you would need sixty thousand euros in total?

Gretchen
Yes.

Josephine
Im going to give it to you.

Gretchen
No, no, I couldnt. Youve already been too kind.

Josephine
I dont want to hear another word about it. I want you, your mother, and
sister to go back to Sudan and live in comfort and peace.
Gretchen
Thank you. Your generosity is overwhelming.
Josephine
Your welcome.
Josephine and Gretchen hug for a long time.

End Scene

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Burning 11/15/11

Act II Scene Twenty-Six

At rise Josephine is visiting Michael in prison.

Josephine
Ive come to let you know that I forgive you for what youve done. I really
cant understand what would inspire anyone to do such a thing, but I forgive
you because we all need forgiveness. Part of my forgiveness is self serving.
If I spend my whole life resenting you only I will suffer. You see?

The police told me that you have a sixteen year old sister whos disabled. I
went to see her. Shes all alone now with no one to take care of her. Did you
think about her welfare before you killed my husband? Honestly, she seems
just as crazy as you. She went on and on about Hitlers teachings. It was
hard to listen to. At first I thought that I might like to adopt her, but then I
thought better of it. Im not sure that theres hope for you, but I think theres
hope for her if she can get a proper education. So, Ive started a college fund
for her. Itll also ensure that she wont have to worry about money. I know
your government provides a subsidy, but I want her to be comfortable. Poor
girl. Lost both her parents and now you. I want her to know that there is
kindness in the world.

Josephine gets up and starts to leave

Michael
Nigger Lover.

She stops. Turns to look at him with rage. (How could he say such a thing
when shes being so kind?!!!! I mean, she just set up a college fund for his
sister!)

You think youre a saint, you patronizing cunt.

Looks as if shes about to say something, but exits without saying a word.

End Scene

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Burning 11/15/11

Act II Scene Twenty-Seven

Berlin: At rise Franklin, Josephine, Paul, and Older Chris are alone in a
room at the gallery with the ashes. Peters last painting is onstage. It is a
picture of his cousin Lucy in the form of Gretchen rising from the dead, and
she and Peter being re-united in heaven.
Paul
Heres the painting. Do you need anything else?
Josephine
No. This is perfect.

Paul
Ill leave you alone.

Josephine
Thank you.

Franklin
Looking at painting

Whats this?

Josephine
Its Peters last painting. It sold for a million Euros last night.

Franklin
Holy crap!
Older Chris
A million Euros!
Josephine
I know. Now that hes dead hes like Van Gogh or something.
Franklin
I cant believe it.
Josephine
Sometimes our worst fears come true. Life is all surprises really. Sometimes
things are better than you expect, and sometimes theyre much worse.

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Burning 11/15/11

Franklin
Yeah.

Josephine
And even in the darkest moments there is light. I mean, Peter gets murdered
and suddenly Im a millionaire. Its all very confusing really. Its not the
way I wanted it to happen, but there it is.

Older Chris
Since you have all this money now, will you produce my one man show?

Josephine
You didnt get any offers after your speech at Jacks funeral?

Older Chris
No.

Josephine
Thats surprising. Im surprised that Peter didnt throw you out of the house
for doing that.

Older Chris
What? You thought it was inappropriate?

Josephine
Youre crazy, you know that?
She laughs a little
Yes, Ill produce your show.

Older Chris
Thank you Josephine!
He gives Josephine a long hug

Josephine
Youre welcome.
Older Chris
How soon do you think that I can get the money?

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Burning 11/15/11

She just stares at him

You know, Ive got to rent a theater, hire designers-
Josephine
Soon.
He kisses her on the cheek
Older Chris
Great! Ive got to go make a few phone calls.
He exits excitedly
Josephine
Did you bring it?
Franklin
Oh, yeah.
Franklin brings out Lucy Urn from his backpack and gives to Josephine.
Josephine starts to pour the ashes onto the floor.
Franklin
Why are you doing that?
Josephine
Look closely at that painting.
He looks closely for about 15 seconds.
Franklin
Weird.
Josephine
Yeah. I think they were meant to be together. If not in life, then in death.
Give me a hand here.
They finish pouring the ashes together, and then they mix the ashes together
with their hands.

End Of Play

178